ಕಾಯ | Kaaya

ಕಾಯ | Kaaya is a devised performance inspired by the Vachanas of the 12th-century female poet Akkamahadevi. Her Vachanas, short simple poems in Kannada, are a social commentary of her times and also a reflection of her own spiritual journey. She is remembered for her strong stance on gender equality, her rejection of social conventions, and her criticism of the patriarchal society of her time.

The Sharana movement of the 12th-century Bhakti era largely aimed to challenge the hegemony of Brahminical Hinduism and its caste system. It was an important reformist movement that played a major role in the development of social, religious, and political structures in India. The movement advocated for an egalitarian society where all people were equal and there was no discrimination based on caste or gender. Though many female writers were considered to be part of this movement, Akkamahadevi’s feminist perspectives were not given equal importance during this time. The Sharana movement did not have a strong focus on female sexuality and gender, and Akka’s works that focused on these issues were not widely discussed or popularized. As a result, her feminist perspectives were largely overlooked, and her legacy as a feminist poet and philosopher is not as widely known as it should be.

Akka wrote poetically about the struggles of being a woman in a male-dominated society, and her work stands for women’s rights and freedom. Her writings challenged the idea that a woman’s sole purpose was to be a wife and mother, instead advocating for a woman’s right to self-actualization and fulfillment. Akka’s works also encourage women to take pride in their bodies and to reject the notions of shame and body image that were so prevalent in her society. By doing so, her work highlights the importance of agency for women and their right to make their own decisions and take control of their own lives. Her Vachanas articulate the need to challenge social conventions to achieve true freedom and liberation.

Akkamahadevi’s works challenge the notion that a woman is maya, or an illusion, by demonstrating that women are capable of being spiritual, powerful, and independent. She questioned the maleness of spirituality and showed that spirituality is not exclusive to any gender. Her Vachanas are often seen as prayers that reflect her own journey of spiritual awakening and her search for enlightenment. Her work talks about connecting with the body to connect with the divine and the importance of focusing on the physical body as a means of spiritual practice. Akka’s works are a powerful reminder of the importance of self-exploration and spiritual growth, and of the need to look within ourselves to find true liberation.

Some scholars have suggested that her works could be interpreted as queer in nature. Akkamahadevi’s poems often feature female characters who are strong, independent, and liberated from the conventions of society. These characters are often portrayed as being in love with each other, transcending the boundaries of gender and social conventions. This could be interpreted as Akkamahadevi’s way of expressing her own queer identity, and her works could be seen as a form of queer activism. The interpretation of Akkamahadevi’s work is subjective, and it is up to the individual to decide whether they see her work as being queer. However, her work has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with the contemporary politics of gender, sexuality, and queer identity.

Kaaya explores the concept of feminism, self-realization, liberation, religious tolerance, social justice, personal transformation, and female spirituality using Akka’s Vachanas as an inspiration. The artists hope to create art that highlights the importance of women’s rights and freedom and inspires women to take pride in themselves and their own power. The work was premiered at Ranga Shankara, Bengaluru on the 8th of March on International Women’s Day as a way of celebrating Akkamahadevi’s works.

Kaaya aspires to acknowledge Akka’s contribution to feminist literature and celebrate her legacy that continues to inspire and empower women today.

Credits:

Kaaya is a Kriyative Theatre Production

Vachanas by Akkamahadevi (12th Century poet)

Concept & Direction by Veena Basavarajaiah

Music by Murali Mohan Gowda

Co-creators & performers: Laxmi Chandrashekar, Deepti Nagendra,
Anagha Kashyap, Priyanka Chandrasekhar & Sripriya

Light design, costume design & scenography by Veena Basavarajaiah

Photographs by Arvind Sridhar