''Kanuru Heggaditi'' or ''Kanooru Heggadithi'' ''(meaning: Proprietress of Kanuru)'' is a

Kannada Kannada () is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly in the state of Karnataka in southwestern India, and spoken by a minority of the population in all neighbouring states. It has 44 million native speakers, and is additionally a ...

language novel written by author and poet,

Kuvempu Kuppalli Venkatappa Puttappa (29 December 1904 – 11 November 1994), popularly known by his pen name Kuvempu, was an Indian poet, playwright, novelist and critic. He is widely regarded as the greatest Kannada poet of the 20th century. He wa ...

, in 1936. Based on the novel, a Kannada movie ''

Kanooru Heggadithi ''Kaanooru Heggadithi'' (''Kaanooru Headwoman'') is a 1999 Indian film based on the 1936 novel " Kanooru Subbamma Heggadithi" by Kannada writer Kuvempu, and directed by playwright and film director Girish Karnad. Set in the Malnad region, the f ...

'' directed by

Girish Karnad Girish Karnad (19 May 1938 – 10 June 2019) was an Indian playwright, actor, film director, Kannada writer, and a Jnanpith awardee, who predominantly worked in Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Marathi films. His rise as a playwr ...

, was released in 1999.

Plot

The novel tells the story of Indira, a strong-willed, intelligent woman who lives in the village of Kanuru. Set in rural Karnataka, the book explores the complex dynamics of family, caste, and societal expectations, particularly in relation to the lives of women. Indira marries into a traditional family but soon finds herself at odds with their rigid customs and patriarchal control. Despite the challenges she faces, she maintains her independence and constantly questions the constraints placed upon her, both by her family and society at large. The novel delves deep into the village life, portraying the ways in which tradition and modernity collide. As the narrative progresses, Indira's journey of self-discovery highlights broader social issues, such as gender inequality, the limitations of orthodox customs, and the struggle for personal freedom in a conservative society. The novel is celebrated for its nuanced portrayal of women’s lives, the vivid depiction of rural Karnataka, and its critical take on societal norms.

References

{{reflist 1936 novels Novels set in Karnataka Novels in Kannada 20th-century Indian novels Indian novels adapted into films

Plot

See also

References