Indulekha

Indulekha (1889) is widely held to be the first Malayalam novel.  Often called an 'accidental' and 'flawed' work, as its core lies a love story. Written by a Nair, Indulekha achieves certain social goals: firstly, it creates a novel much like those of English authors read by Chandumenon, and secondly, it illustrates Nair society at that time.  This novel will appeal to general readers interested in Indian writings in translation.  Students of literature, history and culture, political and legal theory, and gender studies, will also find it useful.