The king would appoint a Smarthan (judge) and his assistants and a couple of onlookers.Ĥ) Interrogation- where the accused was questioned by the Smarthan. There were six stages to the Smarthavicharam:ġ) ‘Dasivicharam’ – where the ‘dasi’ or maid of the accused was interrogated.Ģ) ‘Anchampurayilackal’ – where the accused was sent to an isolation shed if substantial evidence was gathered against the Antherjanam.ģ) ‘Swaroopamchollal’- wherein a notice was sent to the king about the accused and the men involved and formal request for a Smarthavicharam was made, along with the necessary monetary deposits. The entire trial was maintained by the accused’s father. The accused was handed over to a society for enquiry. There was absolutely no room for public opinion or personal consideration. This was a ritualistic trial and was conducted with the permission of the Cochin Maharaja. Her accused male adulterers (jaaran) were also tried and if found guilty, they were all excommunicated or ostracized (Bhrasthu) and banished. Smarthavicharam was the trial that a Namboothiri woman (Antherjanam) had to go through, when her chastity was doubted.

This film is based on “SMARTHAVICHARAM’ written by KURYEDATH THATHRI where he has discussed in detail about the punishment given to the widows in Namboothiri community who has committed adultery.This created shock waves among Keralites in early 20th century that led to the reformation of Namboodhiri community. How a marriage has affected a young and beautiful Unnimaya’s life is the story. This movie is very close to my heart.That is the reason i chose this to review first.

Parinayam movie in malayalam