The demise of E.M.S. Namboodiripad has shed a pall of a gloom over the cultural arena of Kerala. What makes Kerala a distinct entity with improved human relations has a lot to do with the life and philosophy of EMS. The state has become a model for the world in the Physical Quality of Life Index (PQIL). In an interview published in The Hindu (October, 2, 1996), a right-wing economist and former U.S. Ambassador to India specifically mentioned Kerala for its improvement. EMS was born in a traditional Brahmin family but he was never a “flamboyant Brahmin boy” as described by Arundhati Roy. On the contrary, his masterpiece, written and published in 1948, depicted almost all marginalized cultures of Kerala, conferring an equal dignity and status on them. In that book, Keralam Malayalikalude Mathrubhumi (Kerala – the land of Malayalese), he introduced a radical shift in literary criticism. EMS could produce a method of his own after imbibing the spirit of Marxian methodology and thereby analysed the life and times of Keralites. His endeavour was to achieve an oppression-free existence of mankind.
AN EXPERIMENT WITH MARXISM
The demise of E.M.S. Namboodiripad has shed a pall of a gloom over the cultural arena of Kerala. What makes Kerala a distinct entity with improved human relations has a lot to do with the life and philosophy of EMS. The state has become a model for the world in the Physical Quality of Life Index (PQIL). In an interview published in The Hindu (October, 2, 1996), a right-wing economist and former U.S. Ambassador to India specifically mentioned Kerala for its improvement. EMS was born in a traditional Brahmin family but he was never a “flamboyant Brahmin boy” as described by Arundhati Roy. On the contrary, his masterpiece, written and published in 1948, depicted almost all marginalized cultures of Kerala, conferring an equal dignity and status on them. In that book, Keralam Malayalikalude Mathrubhumi (Kerala – the land of Malayalese), he introduced a radical shift in literary criticism. EMS could produce a method of his own after imbibing the spirit of Marxian methodology and thereby analysed the life and times of Keralites. His endeavour was to achieve an oppression-free existence of mankind.
EMS produced such a great work even before the advent of the Western Neo-Marxian materialistic studies. For him, the study of the Kerala culture turned into a kind of culture criticism when modern industrialization was not even in an embryonic stage in the State. So what is now called culture criticism or cultural materialism was practiced by EMS in Kerala even 50 years ago. He introduced not only a materialistic interpretation of culture but also a progressive vision of the developments of the world. Without using the jargons of New Historicism or Postmodernism, EMS could topple the hierarchy of culture and even deconstructed the high/low binary in art and literature. When the dominant ideology of Kerala, stemming from the Sanskritised grammatical structure, propagated the ingenuity of what was written and read in Sanskrit alone, EMS unhesitatingly eulogized even the cultural contributions of the underprivileged. In this respect, his reading of Kumaran Asan’s “Duravastha” stands out as unique; it is in contradiction with what Mr. Kancha Illaiah said recently about the politics of the communist parties. Mr.Kancha Ilaiah was in the University of Calicut to deliver a speech at a Dalit seminar. In the inaugural session, he said the Dalits alone could help in their emancipation. What happened in the academic life as well as public sphere in Kerala is different.
In “Duravastha” there is a stanza ending
“. left Hindu religion – owing to casteism
rotten itself into Brahmanism”.
Frequently Asked Questions about "An Experiment With Marxism"
What is the main focus of the text?
The text focuses on the legacy of E.M.S. Namboodiripad and his impact on Kerala's cultural and social landscape, particularly his progressive views and his criticism of casteism and dominant ideologies. It explores his contributions to literary criticism and his efforts to achieve an oppression-free society.
What is the significance of Kerala being mentioned in the text?
Kerala is presented as a unique entity with improved human relations and a high Physical Quality of Life Index (PQIL), largely attributed to the life and philosophy of EMS. It serves as an example where Marxist principles have had a positive influence on societal development.
How did EMS challenge traditional social norms?
EMS challenged traditional social norms by advocating for marginalized cultures and conferring equal dignity and status on them. He questioned the dominant ideology stemming from the Sanskritised grammatical structure and eulogized the cultural contributions of the underprivileged.
What is the role of "Keralam Malayalikalude Mathrubhumi" in EMS's work?
"Keralam Malayalikalude Mathrubhumi" is presented as EMS's masterpiece, published in 1948, which depicted almost all marginalized cultures of Kerala, conferring an equal dignity and status on them. It introduced a radical shift in literary criticism by providing a materialistic interpretation of Kerala culture.
How does the text address the issue of casteism?
The text highlights EMS's critique of casteism, exemplified by his interpretation of Kumaran Asan's "Duravastha." He questioned the caste discrimination prevalent in Kerala and challenged the dominant ideological position regarding the structure of art and literature, despite belonging to the Brahmin caste.
What is the significance of the poem "Duravastha" in the context of the text?
"Duravastha" is used as an example of a work that challenged the established norms of literature and society. EMS defended the poem's depiction of casteism, even though the poet himself had doubts due to the prevailing ideological hegemony.
How does the text portray EMS's contribution to cultural criticism?
The text positions EMS as a pioneer of cultural criticism in Kerala, even before the advent of Western Neo-Marxian materialistic studies. He introduced a materialistic interpretation of culture and a progressive vision of the world, deconstructing the high/low binary in art and literature without relying on modern jargons like New Historicism or Postmodernism.
- Quote paper
- pokker p.k.dr. (Author), 1998, An experiment with Marxism, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/141316