Kocharethi The Arayar Woman

Set in the 1930s, the novel revolves around the Mala Arayars, a tribe in the hilly terrains of mid-eastern Kerala. Capturing their suffering, anguish, love, desire, aspiration, and frustration, Kocharethi depicts their move towards citizenship in independent India, the changing perceptions of land and its ownership, and their longing for an elemental life. While the first half of the novel focuses on belief systems, rituals, and various social codes, the second half recounts moments of despair and personal loss. Together they create an identity for the Mala Arayars, and present a life-system that is slowly fading away. Translated by Catherine Thankamma, this volume includes a detailed Introduction by G.S. Jayasree. An in-depth interview of Narayan adds value to the book. Thirty-four illustrations bring to life the story of a community that has remained largely unheard outside Kerala. With explanatory notes providing cultural connotations of certain Malayalam terms and a glossary, this edition will appeal to a wide spectrum of readers.

Narayan (A), recipient of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award, has published five novels and two collections of short stories. Kocharethi is his first novel.


Catherine Thankamma (T) is a translator, writer, and critic. She teaches English language in R.L.V. College of Music and Fine Arts, Cochin.


G.S. Jayasree (I) is Director, Centre for Women's Studies and Reader, Institute of English, University of Kerala.

Author's Note Translator's Note Introduction KOCHARETHI Glossary An Interview with Narayan