Question

Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow:

A Demon? This is an excerpt from a poem by Karaikkal Ammiyar in which she describes herself: The female Pey (demoness) with ... bulging veins, protruding eyes, white teeth and shrunken stomach, red haired and jutting teeth lengthy shines extending till the ankles, shouts and wails while wandering in the forest. this is the forest of Alankatu, which is the home of our father (Shiva) who dances ...with his matted hair thrown in all eight directions, and with cool limbs.

1. Analyse how Karaikkal Ammaiyar had depicted herself different from the traditional nature of beauty.  2
2. Analyse how this composition of Ammaiyar pose a challenge to patriarchal norms.  2
3. Analyse any two aspects of renunciation of her social obligations.  2

Answer 1

1. 1. In order to achieve complete devotion to Lord Shiva, she gave up her worldly attractiveness. 
   2. She described herself as having long shins, protruding teeth, a shrunken stomach, and protective eyes.
2. 1. She took a scared stance, defying patriarchal conventions.
   2. She disapproved of beauty that was accepted by society:
   3. She was critical of the social structure.
3. 1. Extreme austerity and a strong devotion to Lord Shiva.
   2. The virtues of women’s virtuosity are incompatible.
   3. She began meandering into the woods, which she believed to be Lord Shiva’s dwelling.