Ekalavya as a Subaltern

Q-7
What is the meaning of subaltern? Write a critical note on the character of Ekalavya with special reference to the concept of subaltern.

Introduction:-

-> T.P. Kailasam wrote 'The Purpose' in 1944.In the story of Mahabharata 'Arjuna' is the hero while studying under Dronacharyaor throughout the Epic. In this play he focus on main three character like Arjuna, Ekalavya and Drona. But here in 'The Purpose' Kailasam more focus on the character of "Ekalavya". And he is the main hero or character of 'The Purpose'.

-> The protagonist of the play is Ekalavya. He is Nishad. He also want to become the best archer of the world as same Arjuna also want to be Ekalavya really like the technique of Drona but he also recognize the Arjuna as a novice.

Meaning of subaltern:-

-> It refers to the populations that are socially, politically and geographically outside of the hegemonic power structure of the colony and of the colonial homeland. As intellectual discourse the concept of the subaltern is problematic because it originate as a Eurocentric method of historical inquiry for Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The term "Subaltern" is use in the fields of history, anthropology, sociology, human geography and literary criticism.(Wikipedia)

-> In postcolonial theory the term subaltern describes the lower classes and the social groups who are at the margins of a society. As in our India, some of the castes which we call "Shudra" they all are subalterns. High castes people not except them as normal and they not even touch to those people. In Gujarati people we can say "Abhadavu". So, those all people are subalterns.

Ekalavya as a subaltern:-

-> If we think about these character, so these are subalterns. Ekalavya from lower caste and because of his low caste he can't get education. They have no right to learn. He is smart than Arjuna and yet he can't be great archer because of hi caste. Even he learnt archery by his self, without any Guru and yet powerful people not give him right to be an archer. So, we can say that Ekalavya as subaltern character. His intention to be archer is good and yet he can't to do it.

Character of Ekalavya:-

-> Ekalavya is the protagonist of the play "The Purpose". He is Nishada boy. He also wants to become the best archer of the world. He alway speaks whatever he think to be true.

                     EKALAVYA: "...this must be the great Dronacharya! who else could in a few moments and with a few words turn voice into a good archer already! why, I am better my self for listening to him and following his words!"

-> Through these type of dialogues we can see that how he love to be best archer. But only because of his caste he can't be like Arjuna or perhaps better than Arjuna. So, after all we can say that T.P. Kailasam give the eyes to Arjuna. And he wants to highlight the character of Ekalavya who is very minor character in Mahabharata. And through the archery Ekalavya want to save the innocent animals from cruel animals and desire to learn archery. So his purpose is not self center but it is other.

To sum up:-

-> Thus, we can say that the character like Ekalavya are in history and present. And these type of character s are there because there are some character who are ruling over them. In these power played a vital role above these all things.