Excavations from Ground Reality: Exploring Colonial Aspects in K. N. Panicker’s Karimkutty

Abstract

K.N. Panikkar, the renowned Malayalam playwright has left his indelible mark on both literature and performance art. His works have consistently explored the fundamental human experience through songs and narratives. Karimkuty, is a work that delves into the rich tapestry of Malayalam folklore, confronting the harsh realities of casteism within the existing social order. Panikkar exposes the lingering influence of colonialism on traditional narratives, questioning how spirituality can coexist with the deeply entrenched social inequalities in Kerala. Through Karimkuty, Panikkar compels us to re-evaluate the role of traditional and spiritual literature in the broader human experience.