Outcaste: A Novel by Matampu Kunhukuttan [Paperback]

Outcaste (originally Brushte in Malayalam) tells the compelling story of Paptikutty, a single woman who seeks vengeance against her community for the severe injustices inflicted upon her. The narrative is inspired by a historical incident from 1905 involving a Namboodiri woman accused of adultery and her subsequent retribution against sixty-four of her lovers, who belonged to the elite families of Kerala. Paptikutty is depicted as an avatar of the goddess Kali, dispensing justice and instigating revolution against corruption and immorality. Set during a time when the Namboodiri Brahmins wielded immense power—surpassing even that of the king—this community maintained strict customs that oppressed women and silenced dissenters. Paptikutty’s actions, which expose the internal decay of the Namboodiri community, serve as a powerful critique of caste-based injustices that continue to resonate in Indian society today.