Conceptualization of Women in ‘Solagar Thotti’

சோளகர் தொட்டியில் பெண்கள் குறித்தகருத்தாக்கம்

Abstract

The novel Solagar Thotti presents the life struggles of the Solagar tribal community living in the forest regions. It portrays their culture, lifestyle, and social practices, with a particular focus on the position and experiences of women. The work highlights both the participation of women in equal roles alongside men and the challenges they face within society. Women in the Solagar community actively engage in various activities such as guarding their settlements, participating in agricultural work, and contributing to communal responsibilities. They share equal responsibilities with men in protecting their resources and sustaining their livelihood. The novel also depicts certain social practices such as remarriage rights for women, indicating a level of social flexibility within the community. At the same time, the text strongly brings out the harsh realities of sexual violence and oppression faced by women. It describes how women become victims of exploitation, particularly by authorities, and how such violence affects them physically and psychologically. The suffering of women, their trauma, and the social stigma they endure are vividly portrayed. The novel further emphasizes how society often judges women based on notions of purity and morality, ignoring their emotional and psychological pain. Victims of violence are marginalized and denied dignity, which reflects deep-rooted gender inequality. Overall, the work highlights the dual reality of women’s lives in the Solagar community—on one hand, their strength and participation, and on the other, their vulnerability to violence and social injustice. It calls attention to the need for recognizing women’s rights, dignity, and humanity.