Date:14/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/br/2009/07/14/stories/2009071451131303.htm

KANNADA

Social novel on Malabar

V. GOPALAKRISHNA

SOOFI HELIDA KATHE: Translation of K.P. Ramanunni’s Malayalam novel in Kannada by Ashok Kumar, Sahitya Akademi, 35, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi-110001. Rs. 100.

SOOFIS ARE peace-loving and pure-hearted wandering Muslim saints who propagate universal brotherhood for the peaceful co-existence of people through legends and fables. Narrated by a Soofi and retold in the form of a novel by the author, it gives a message of aesthetic reach.

The social and religious life of Ponnani, an ancient port–town and a famous pilgrim centre for Muslims in Malabar in the bygone era, can be gleaned from the novel.

The story is framed around a matrilineal family. Antiques of cultural heritage serve as useful leads for people to trace their lineage and reconstruct the family history. An idol of goddess Bhagavathi found hidden among the shrubs and a snake-sculpted stone used, rather misused, for washing clothes in the backyard of a home in a Muslim habitation help to uncover mysteries. A household where idol worship is not allowed accommodates it despite protests. How a young Hindu woman who out of lust embraced Islam ultimately comes to be revered by all as a woman saint exemplifies the assimilation of different faiths. Such stories abound.