Description

Padayorukkam (Mobilisation for war)

Venad, a medieval kingdom, had practiced the matrilineal custom from time immemorial. According to the custom, one of the king’s nephews (sons of sisters), inherited the right to succeed the king.

King Rama Varma, who was in love with Abhirami of the Kosala kingdom, ignored the tradition to declare that the sons of Abhirami would succeed him as the king.

The king, however failed to convince the people’s council about his decision on succession. So, he had to reluctantly agree to make young Marthanda Varma, one of the nephews, as his successor.

This was opposed by the king’s own son, Padmanabhan Thampi – who brought ill repute to the kingdom with his waywardness.

Padmanabhan Thampi prepared for a war with the help of Venad’s archnemeses – Ettuveedars and Ettarayogakar.

“Padayorukkam” (mobilization for war) is the theatre-adaption of the story of Padmanabhan Thampi and how this war unfolds tragic outcomes.

The author is Geeboy Pulickal, a theater artist and writer for decades. The book is published jointly by Media House and SPCS and distributed by Media House and National Book Stall.