Author: M Veerappa Moily
Translator(s)/ Edito: C N Ramachandran
Publisher: Rupa
Year: 2006
Language: English
Pages: 230
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8129110598
Description
The Edge of Time, translated from M Veerappa Moily’s acclaimed Kannada novel Tembare, examines a complex cultural practice of coastal Karnataka, called bhutaradhane, or the worship of hero-spirits. The Pambada community, a marginalized dalit community, has, as its hereditary profession, spirit impersonation during elaborate rituals.
The novelist explores two responses to this traditional and exploitative profession through two Pambada brothers: one who rebels and opts fro formal education, and the other who tries to revive the true spirit of the ancient practice. Their sister, following her brothers, rebels against patriarchy, becomes an advocate and dedicates her life to the cause of women’s rights. This story, dramatically narrated, subsumes many myths, legends, and courtroom legal battles.
Fieldwork in folklore, political experience, and legal knowledge all these are wedded to dalit and feminine sensibility to create in the novel a new world-view.-Dr B A Viveka Rai, Vice-chancellor, Kannada University, Hampi.
ABOUT THE TRANSLATOR:
DR C N RAMACHANDRAN, a professor of English, has taught in several countries including the US and Saudi Arabia. He retired from Mangalore University. He is the recipient of the Emeritus Professorship, K K Birla Fellowship and Katha Award. His most ambitious work is the English translation of the great Kannada oral epic Male Madeshwara. He lives in Bangalore.