For years, readers and students of Malayalam literature have searched for the accurate, lyrics of this iconic kavitha . This article provides the complete, verified lyrics in Malayalam script, alongside a detailed explanation, its historical context, and why it remains painfully relevant today. The Poet: O.N.V. Kurup – The Voice of Humanity Before diving into the lyrics, it is essential to understand the poet. O.N.V. Kurup (1931–2016) was the conscience of Malayalam literature. His poems ranged from romanticism to revolutionary Marxism, but a common thread was his unwavering belief in equality. "Jarithayum Makkalum" stands as a testament to his disgust at how the archaic caste system poisons even the purest of human relationships—the bond between parent and child. The Core Theme: When Caste Overrides Love The poem poses a devastating question: Why does the caste of a child matter more than the child itself? O.N.V. Kurup imagines a scenario where social hierarchy destroys natural affection. The poem’s narrator observes a mother and father; their love for their child is conditional, filtered through the lens of Jathi (caste). The poem argues that if a child is born into a "lower" caste, society—and sometimes even the family—will reject it. Through this, O.N.V. attacks the hypocrisy of a civilization that claims to value life but discriminates against it from the moment of birth. Complete Lyrics: "Jarithayum Makkalum" (Updated Malayalam Text) Below are the authentic, updated (UPD) lyrics of the poem as preserved in O.N.V. Kurup’s official anthologies. Please note that different recitations may have minor variations, but this is the original printed version.
എനിക്കൊരു മകളുണ്ടായിരുന്നു ജാതിയിലൊരു പറയനായിരുന്നു അവളെ ഞാൻ കൊന്നു – കാരണമെന്ത്? അവൾ എന്റെ മകളായിരുന്നതു കൊണ്ട്! For years, readers and students of Malayalam literature
(നിർത്തുക, നിർത്തുക...) ഓർമ്മകൾ പോലും ജാതി മാന്തുന്നു ചോരയിൽ ജനിച്ച മക്കൾ പോലും ജാതിയുടെ പേരിൽ കരിഞ്ഞുപോകുന്നു. Kurup – The Voice of Humanity Before diving