Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: "Anganagunadapana," a unique poetic composition printed in 1894 in Balapitiya, Galle, previously known as Welithota, is a literary gem that reflects the era's societal attitudes towards women. The title is translated to "The Mirror of Women's Virtues," the authorship is attributed to N. Catherine Silva, also known as Welithara Iskole Hamine. However, the information about her remains scarce, making her contributions all the more enigmatic and precious. This poetic work was created in response to "Virathiviwadaya," a text that propagated anti-women ideologies, whose origins remain unclear. Silva's collection of 62 poems stands as a rebuttal to these misogynistic views, weaving together influences from Buddhist and Christian thought, along with classical Sinhalese literature. Her integration of diverse literary traditions highlights the depth and complexity of her arguments against prevailing sexist norms. At a time when feminist ideologies had not yet gained traction in Sri Lankan society, Silva's efforts were pioneering. Her work not only challenged the entrenched male perspectives about women but also reflected the colonial period's impact on gender roles within the local context. Despite its significance, Silva's literary contributions have not been extensively discussed within academic circles. This paper aims to rectify this oversight by examining how "Anganagunadapana" meticulously challenged prevailing male attitudes about women. Employing a qualitative research methodology and conducting a comprehensive library survey, this study underscores the enduring relevance of Silva's work. It concludes that her poetic endeavors effectively fulfilled her intention of defending and illustrating the virtues of women, thereby contributing valuably to the feminist discourse of her time.
Source: Pravacana
DOI: 10.4038/p.v15i2.17
Author: Nalaka Jayasena
Language: English
Subfield: Literature and Literary Theory
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Gender equality
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4410418667