What is the central idea of the poem Becoming a Brahmin?
What is the central idea of the poem Becoming a Brahmin?
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“Becoming a Brahmin” by Meena Kandasamy satirically deconstructs the deeply entrenched caste system in India through a facetious algorithm. The poem outlines a process, resembling an algorithm, to convert a Shudra into a Brahmin, emphasizing the absurdity of attempting such a transformation. The steps involve marrying a Shudra girl to a Brahmin, repeated across generations, culminating in the display of the “end product”—a Brahmin. This algorithm, attributed to the “Father of the Nation” at Tirupur and documented by Periyar in 1947, underscores the historical struggle against caste-based discrimination. The introduction of the second algorithm highlights the persistence of discriminatory practices done against marginalised communities. Thus, through satire, irony, and historical references, Kandasamy critiques the arbitrariness and injustice embedded in the caste system, challenging societal norms and advocating for a more equitable and inclusive society.
Becoming a Brahmin Summary