Justice, Fate, and Feminine Power in Cilappatikaram

Abstract This article examines the nuanced interplay of justice, fate, and feminine power within Cilappatikaram (also spelled Silappadikaram), an ancient Tamil epic attributed to the Chera prince and Jain monk Ilango Adigal. The epic transcends the tragic narrative of its protagonists to offer profound philosophical and ethical insights into dharma, karma, and divine justice. Particular focus is given to Canto 24, the “Narrative Interlude,” which deepens the moral discourse of the text, highlighting the transformative power of feminine chastity (karpu) as a force capable of both protection and destruction. The heroine Kannagi’s evolution from a grieving widow to a divine figure of justice encapsulates a feminist critique of patriarchal and institutional failures, while reflecting an enduring cultural ideal: that steadfast virtue can redress even cosmic imbalance. By drawing upon textual references and contemporary scholarship, this study reveals why Cilappatikaram remains a timeless exploration of morality, responsibility, and human agency.