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Chapter - III

The Characters in the Historical Novels of

Sir Walter Scott and Kalki
 Chapter- III

The Characters in the Historical Novels of

Sir Walter Scott and Kalki

Sir Walter Scott and Kalki are great masters in the art of characterization.

Like Fielding they have faithfully portrayed the whole human scene, with all

the multifarious characters that come into it. We find a faithful portrayal of
j-
' characters in all walks of life, from kings to beggars. The two writers have

created some of the most memorable and immortal characters. Among women

characters the readers of literature will always remember Jeanie Deans, Amy

Robsart, Queen Elizabeth, Brenhilda, Civakami, Kuntavai, Va-nati,

Mavimekalai and Nantini. Of the men characters the most striking are Edmund
Tressilian, Richard Vamey, Earl of Leicester, Count Robeti of Paris, Hereward,

Makentiravarma!J, Naracimmavarma!}_ and Nakananti. Apart from these

characters Scott and Kalki peopled their novels with a vast concourse of men

and women ranging from the royal class down to the last rung of the society.

The characters are kings, queens, statesmen, soldiers, farmers, beggars, bandits

and so on. In the case of Scott, the prominent women characters are presented
with all good qualities. They seem to be celestial, endowed with spiritual

heroism. Kalki can create both good and bad women. The character Nantini is

_the b_est exampJe_ofa_w_oman villain in Tamil literature. Scott and Kalki have
succeeded in the creation of good men as well as loathsome villains. Among

their creations Richard Vamey and Nakananti are notorious villains like Iago.

--- The two novelists are as great as Shakespeare in moulding characters. They
 78

exalt and extol women characters. They had the alchemy of turning whatever

character they touched into gold. So, their characters are ever cham1ing.

There is a realistic portrayal of the characters who lived several centuries

before us. Remoteness of time has not excluded them from the human feelings

and emotions which are common to people of all times. The reader feels that

the people are living the sort of life he himself might have lived in the same

time and place. There lies the greatness of Scott and Kalki. Like Tolstoi, they

have the power to treat historic men and women not as puppets but as creatures

of flesh and blood. At this juncture Baker's commentary seems relevant:

Everybody remembers Carlyle's gibe at Scott's character-drawing:

'Your Shakespeare fashions his characters from the heart outwards; your

Scott fashions them from the skin inwards, never getting near the heart

of them' .... yet Scott's characters are not empty shows because their hearts
are not laid bare. They have a misleading look of superficiality because

Scott does not analyse. But he knew what was going on below the surface;

he read the efficientmotive of their behaviour with sureness and accuracy.

·r- The watch goes truly though only the dial is visible. Shakespeare could

show the dial and also the works, as only the greatest can do. Hazlitt had

put the truth better when he said that Scott drew his characters from

nature instead of creating them out of his imagination ... his characters

are never overdrawn ... (Baker 217).

Both Scott and Kalki have grasped the organic relationship between

man and man, man and place, man and society, man and his past. Sometimes
even lunatic figures that haunt their novels are very important to the working
 79

out of their plots. Characters like Madge Wildfire, Ra]1'cani

---
and Manin1ekalai
.
are examples. One has to agree with.Walter Allen who writes: "Scott's attitude

towards his characters ... is very much akin to Chaucer's. He has an ease. he

conveys a feeling of being at home, ... that is rare in English fiction" (Allen

124). This is true about Kalki also. What gives their historical figures their

vital significance is the hemiy humanity with which they endow them. They

may not be psychologists. But in their dealing with their characters they show

a lively sense of their virtues and foibles. They have the credit of creating the

most savoury characters, the most profound characters and also the most hateful

villains. Like a conjuror tl,ey pulled out of their sleeves myriads and myriads

of characters. Their characters have been carefully developed, often using

appropriate colloquial speech patterns, and carefully setting the scenes of action

after a thorough research of the period.

The characters portrayed by Scott and Kalki can be generally classified

as men characters and women· characters. The study of women characters can

be taken up first as these two writers have delineated some of the most superb

women. They have put women like Jeanie Deans, Amy Robsart, Brenhilda,

Civakami, Kuntavai, Vanati and Mavimekalai on a lofty pedestal. Their attitude

towards them is somewhat fatherly. These women stand for many noble

qualities. Love, intelligence, honour, adventure, loyalty, romance, sacrifice

and wisdom are s'ome of the ideals with which the two writers have glorified

women. So it is befitting to make a study of these women characters first.

The Heart ofMidlothian is a historical epic in which the heroine Jeanie

Deans is presented with simplicity, native dignity and moral courage. Scott

evolved this character from the historically true poor Dumfriesshire woman
 80

called Helen Walker. This homely and modest peasant is the noblest of Scott's
heroines. She had refused to swear a falsehood to save the life of her half-

sister, on trial for child-murder, and travelled on foot to London. She presented

her sister's case in person to Queen Caroline and obtained the royal pardon.

Through this incident the character shows her 'intelligence'. The rustic
character's 'love for truth' is also revealed. Also her 'fortitude' is exhibited.

One wonders how it was possible for a woman to walk such a long distance

from Edinburgh to London. It was her courage of mind which made it possible.

She had to overcome the threat ofhighwaymen also before she reached London.

All this she endured as she had fortitude. She did not mind the, rh.ysical
inconvenience caused to her during her long journey on foot. She was ready

to do anything for her sister with a spirit of 'sacrifice'. Heroine Amy Robsart

in Kenilworth also undertook a journey. This journey was from Cumnor-Place

to Kenilworth. The purpose of Jeanie's journey was to save her sister. Amy's

journey was meant to save herself from the villain and defend her honour.

Kalki's women characters Civakami and Mantaki.!}i also undertook journeys

on some important missions. Civakami, the heroine in Civakamiyi!!:. Capatam,

was kidnapped by Chalukya soldiers to Vatapi. This was against her wish. She

agreed to journey to Vatapi ifPulikeci consented to set free the other women

who were captured along with her. This proves her 'selfless' nature. Also, in

order to stop Vitapi's men tmturing the Pallava captives in public places, she

accepted to dance in street comers. This was an insult to her as she was the
best dancer in the Pallava country. Still she was ready to digest this insult for

the sake of her people. Thus she exhibited her sense of sacrifice. She was also

ready to sacrifice her love for Naracimma Pallava~ if it would come in the

way of him becoming the ruler of the CoLa Kingdom. In Po!!:'!.iYi!J. Celvan

... --.- -.-- .- ,,. --._........,.-..-...,._ .. ..,._~.-

 81

Mantakini travelled from Ceylon to Tamil Nadu as she wanted to save her

erstwhile lover, the Co!a King. Wh~n Coma!} Campava!!_ tried to assassinate

the Co!a King, she intervened and saved him. The net result was she was

killed. She willingly accepted death. She had risked her life to save the precious

life of her lover. Thus this character is also of a sacrificial nature.

The women characters of these two writers had great ideals in their life.

Jeanie Deans was born .in a poor family. In spite of that she cherished a love

for 'truth' and 'simplicity'. Scott tells us, " ... [Jeanie's ]love and veneration for

truth was almost quaker-like" (Midlothian 245). She was god-fearing. She
' '·
had no greed for weatlh. She was firm in her love for Reuben Butier. Amy ·coo

was bom in an ordinary family. For the sake oflove she left her house. She too

had a great faith in 'truth'. She advised her husband Leicester to unfold to

Queen Elizabeth the entire truth about their secret marriage. Another noble

quality in her was that 'honour' was more endearing to her than her life. V!hen

Varney asked her to call him her husband for a short period of time she felt

offended. It was against her honour. No chaste woman would tolerate it. So

she yelled and decried Varney. She only expected her husband to declare

publicly that she was his wife and Countess. In this simple desire also her love

for 'honour' is revealed. Kalki's heroine-character Civakami too had her

principles. Her love for Naracimma!! was relentless. As she was sincere in her

love for Naracimmag she rejected Nakananti's love: Even though she remained

in V~tapi for nine years without meeting her lover Naracimman. she was

steadfast in her love. She was disappointed in her love as Naracimmag had
married another woman. Yet she did not blame her lover for-his-aetion:-Sne ____ _

married the idol of God and proved how pure her love was. She is an ideal
 82

heroine created by Kalki.ln the character of Queen Elizabeth Scott has created

an ideal queen. In Kenilworth she is portrayed as an able administrator striking

a balance between the two rivals- the Earl ofLeicester and the Earl of Sussex.

Apart from that, she considered herself as the 'Mother.' of England. Therefore

she assured a stranger like Amy that she would mete out justice even to the

meanest of her citizens. Her secret love for Leicester did not prevent her from

taking action against him. Brenhilda and Bertha are other noble creations of

Scott. The fom1er considered 'honour' as precious as her life. She was constant

in her love for her husband though Nicephorus tried to tempt her with the post

of Empress. Bertha was firm in her love for Hereward though she had been

separated from him for several years. Even the woman- villain Nantigi had an

ideal. Her lover, the Pavtiya King, was beheaded by Atitta Karikiilag. To avenge

her lover's death, she conspired a plot to kill Atitta Karikalau though the latter

was her lover in her young age.

A notewotihy feature about the women characters is that some of them

suffered more than suffering. So, the readers sympathize with them and

sometimes even shed tears for them. Effie Deans, Madge \Vildfire, Amy

Robsart, Civakami, Mm:imekalai and Mantakigi are women characters who

suffered in their life. Effie Deans was accused of infanticide which she had

not committed. The law had imprisoned her and even sentenced her to death.

Her suffering was augmented when her dear husband was killed by a young

lad who was actually her son. She died of grief at the end of the novel. Her

only fault was that she had a secret love affair with George Staunton. Therefore

the readers pity this character. Again, Madge Wildfire in the same novel met

with a tragic death. She was an innocent girl of the under world who was

seduced by George Staunton. This was the cause for her lunacy. At last, she
 83

was put to death by the torture of the mob. This of course, is a tragic death

which moved not only the heroine Jeanie but also the readers to shed tears. In

Kenilworth heroine Amy died at the end. From the beginning to the end of the

novel she suffered. In the beginning she could not live publicly as Leicester's
wife. This caused her mental suffering. Her elopement made her father ill.

This was also a reason for her suffering. Later Varney and Leicester compelled

her to call Varney as her husband. This caused her more suffering. Further
Varney tried to poison her. Then he pictured her as a mentally deranged woman

to Queen Elizabeth and her court. All these intensified her mental suffering.

Finally, physical suffering was caused to her when Varney trapped her in a

deep pit and killed her. She met with the most tragic death. Any reader would

be affected. Heroine Civakami also suffered in her life. For nine years she

suffered in Vatapi under the enemy ruler Pulikeci. Her return to Kiinci did not ·
give her any relief. She came back from Vatapi to Kimci with the hope of

matTying N aracimmag. But he was already married! This caused her boundless

mental suffering. Her disappointment in love shocks even the readers. More

shocking is the life of Railcagi who was in love with Nakananti. N~kananti
gave her false hope of marrying her. He deliberately made her look ugly by

charring her. At the end he stabbed her at the back with a poisoned knife and

killed her. The death ofMaJ.limekalai in POIJ:IJ:.iYi!l:. Celva!!. will move our heart.

She had developed one sided love for Vantiyatteva!.!_. As it did not materialize

she became mad and died. To save her erstwhile lover Cuntara Colan Mantakini

sacrificed her own life. Thus one finds some women characters suffering too
much in their life. Scott and Kalki have succeeded in arousing the sympathy

of the readers for these women.

 84

The following textual study of the five novels will throw more light on

the women characters and thus help us to evaluate them con·ectly. Of all the

women characters in The Heart of Midlothian heroine Jeanie Deans is the

most important one. She is one of the most remarkable heroines in English

fiction. She wins our admiration and respect as a daughter, as a sister and as a

wife. Hers is a strong character. She had integrity, moral uprightness and

firmness of determination. She was not a woman of extraordinary beauty like

Amy Robs art or Queen Elizabeth or Brenhilda or Bertha or Civakami or N anti~i

or Kuntavai. But~he had a great charm of personality and manners. She was

very much devoted to her father like Civakami who was devoted to her father

Ayanar. Brenhilda had a similar devotion to her parents~ Jeanie's filial piety is

commendable. She constantly wished for her father's well-being. Therefore,

when she went to London, she gave instructions to the woman-servant how to

look after her father. She also entreated her lover Reuben Butler to take care

of her father. She was god-fearing. She explained to Robertson why she should

not tell a lie. "It is not man I fear, the God, whose name I must call on the

witness the truth of what I say, He will know the falsehood" (146). She added,

"He[God] has given us a law for the lamp of our path; if we stray from it we

err against knowledge- I may not do evil, even that good may come out of it"

(146). To her father she said, "Mind, father, the ninth command! thou shall

not bear false witness against thy neighbour" (184). Yet she bore immense

love for her sister. She had the "love and care of a mother" (94). What amazes
the readers is the enormous self-confidence of this rustic girl who had never

moved out of Edinburgh and its neighbourhood and who had never before

spoken to any grand people. Her plan of going to London to get the royal
pardon for her sister seems fantastic to the readers and a wild dream to Reuben
 85

Butler. Yet she achieved it. She set out for London on foot on a journey the

hazardous nature of which would have deterred the stoutest hearted person.

The trials and tribulations during the journey did not make her return home.

Her 'heroism' is revealed in this. She did not lose her nerve while she was

interviewed by the Duke of Argyle and bter by Queen Caroline. Her presence

of mind and her composure on these occasions are admirable. Hers was a

hem1-warming speech, utterly simple and utterly sincere, without any art or

artifice. She was constant in her love for Reuben Butler. She proved herself a
('. •,

good housewife also. As a mother she showed the same sense of duty and the .

same depth of affection. Jealousy is a deadly sin. Like a true Christian she

never felt jealous of Effie Deans who became a rich woman in her life. She is

indeed a great and strong female character created by Scott. She had none of

the beauty or vivacity of her younger sister, but had a charm. The source of

this charm was the serenity that resulted from "a good conscience, kind feelings,

contented temper and the regular discharge of all her duties". She can be

described as a 'poetic heroine'. She was called "puir Jeanie Deans" (53) by

..--- Mrs. Saddletree. She was the "young minion" (81) of Douce Davie Deans .
'
She was in Scott's own words "the prudent and affectionate Jeanie" (97). Her

lover Butler admired her as "wiser, better, and less selfish ... with all the helps

philosophy can give to a Christian" (115). She had a heart "fortified to endure

affliction and encouraged to face difficulties" (136). She was affectionately

called "my dear bairn!" (138) by her father just as Naracimmavarrna!!. was

affectionately called 'my child' by Makentiravarrnag, When Robertson asked

her to obey his directions and save her sister Effie, Jeanie replied, "I will do

all that is lawful to a Christian, ... " (143). Her 'piety' is easily understood.

Even though she was threatened by him at pistol point she would not do

,._..
 86
+--
anything "unlawful for a Christian" (144). Scott describes her as "a docile,

quiet, gentle and even timid country maiden, ... " (195). She maintained her

superiority even at times of dire distress. Her father fell senseless when Jeanie

told in the court that Effie never breathed a word about her pregnancy to her.

"Even in this moment of agony and general confusion, Jeanie did not lose that

superiority, which a deep and finn mind assures to its possessor under the

most trying circumstances" (214). Barefooted she proposed to perfotm her

"pilgrimage" (229) and "mission" (229) to London. She "was a plain, true-

hearted, honest girl, ... " (232). Before leaving for London she promised her

lover "But ye maun keep up your heart for Jeanies sakey for if she isna your

wife, she will never be the wife of living man" (248). Young Staunton, though
Jeanie had not helped him called her a "sensible" and "good young woman"

(297) of "fair character" (306). The Rector, young Staunton's father,

appreciated her and said, " ... there is something in your face and appearance

that makes both sense and sensibility, and if I am not deceived, innocence

also" (307). Her countenance was "modest and pleasing in expression" (317).

There was "quiet simplicity and modesty expressed in the dress, manners and

countenance of humble country-woman" (318). Jeanie proved her cleverness

while pleading with the Duke of Argyle before meeting Queen Caroline. The

Duke told Jeanie : ''I have no means of averting your sister's fate-She must

die" (319). To that Jeanie replied, "We must a' die, sir, but we shouldna hasten

ilk other out o' the world, ... " (319). Again when the Duke said, "I am no

lawyer" she replied, "you are a law-maker, sir, ... " (319). A royal person like

the Duke admired her thus: "you are a singular young woman, you seem to me
-.-
' to think of everyone before yourself' (321 ). We are aware of her selfless nature.

Scott affectionately calls her "our heroine" (325). The Duke appreciated her
 87

saying, "I wish some of my nearer relations had half her worth, honesty, and

affection" (334). She pleaded with Queen Caroline in a wonderful and eloquent

manner thus:

... a word of the King's mouth might restore her [Effie] to a broken-

hearted auld man [Davie Deans], that never, in his daily and mightly

exercise, forgot to pray that his Majesty might be blessed with a long

and prosperous reign, and that his throne, and the throne of his posterity,

might be established in righteousness. Oh, madam, ... have some

compassion on our misery! - Save an honest house from dishonour, and

unhappy girl, not eighteen years of age, from an early and dreadful death!

(337-38)

Argyle's daughters adored Jeanie thus : "you are a credit to the land

[Scotland] we love so well" (353). She had 'Kindness' towards other people
suffering in life. While Jeanie was returning from London she saw some savage~

looking fellows ill-treating Madge Wildfire because she was insane.

r-·
'
Immediately she sent for the magistrate who rescued Madge from the mob

that was ducking her in a muddy pool. David Deans appreciated his daughter

for obtaining the royal pardon thus: "Thou hast redeemed our captivity- brought

back the honour of our house-" (370). In Effie's opinion "Jeanie was ane, like

the angels in heaven ... " and "upright creature" (386). As the old dame May

Hettly pointed out Jeanie was "aye kind to heart and body" (394). According

to Effie she was "the bauldest and the best sister that ever lived" (402). After
- ;--- marriage Jeanie proved herself a good housewife. Scott comments, "Mrs
Butler... brought into the married state the same firm mind and affectionate

disposition -the same natural and homely good sense, and ... all the domestic
 8S

good qualities ... no minister of the Presbytery had his [Butler's J humble dinner

so well arranged. his clothes and linen in equal good order, his fireside so

neatly swept, his parlour so clean, and his books so well dusted" ( 406). Scott

gives a glorious picture of her as a·good wife to her husband: "If he [Butler]

talked to Jeanie of what she did not understand ... she listened in placid silence ... "

(406). She had "good sense and good-humour, ... archness and liveliness of

manner, [which] rendered her behaviour acceptable to all ... she always appeared

the clean, well-dressed mistress of the house, never the sordid household

drudge" ( 406). Even a minor character like Duncan Knock swore, "the fairies

must help her [Jeanie], since her house was always clean, ... " (406). Scott

proudly calls her "our unpretending heroine" ( 409). To Effie she was the

dearest sister and so she called her "you, the pure, the virtuous, the heroine of

unstained faith, unblemished purity, what can you have to fear from the world

or its proudest minions?" (413). Lady Staunton praised her saying, "you have

been truth itself from your cradle upwards ... " ( 432). Thus heroine Jeanie Deans

is presented in lively colours by Scott. To sum up, she lives happy in the

esteem and love of all the readers.

When the readers are happy about the creation of a woman character

like Jeanie Deans, they feel unhappy with the plight of the suffering women

characters like Effie Deans and Madge Wildfire. Effie's life was made

miserable by 'law' whereas Madge's life became miserable due to 'love'. Effie

was by far the prettier of the two daughters of David Deans. She had a Sylph-

like form. But unfortunately she became somewhat conceited, obstinate and

hot-tempered. Secretly she attended village dances and developed intimacy

___ .--
with a total stranger like Robertson. This led to her pregnancy. Her delivery of

an illegitimate child deepened her suffering. As the new bom child was not to
 89

be traced, she was imprisoned an? tried on a charge of child-murder. She was

even sentenced to death. Actually she had not killed her child. Her cou1i trial

itself was enough reason for her suffering. When her father fainted in the

court she felt more dejected and guilty. So she said in frenzied tones of grief,
"Let me gang to my father! -I will gang to him- I will gang to him- he is dead

-he is killed- I hae killed him!" (214). Her misery continued even after marrying

her lover George Staunton. For she had to wear a mask, a mask of good family

background and high family connections, and live under a constant dread of
being exposed. No doubt she educated hw,relf and had become cultured enough

to move with the people of rank in London. Her wit and beauty became the

talk of the town. Even the Duke of Argyle admired her as the blazing star, the

universal toast of the winter, and the most beautiful creature. Yet her life was

miserable. She did not have any close friend or relative to confide in. She had
no child. The death of her husband gave her a great blow. Later she took up

her abode in a convent and died in severe seclusion. Thus, disgrace, infamy,

imprisonment, conviction, exile from her native country- these were her lot.

This character wins the sympathy of the readers. She remains a pathetic figure

in their minds.

The woman character Effie Deans had some similarities with other women
characters. She was motherless like Amy Robsart and Civakami. She had great

love for her father like Amy and Civakami. All the three characters had much

beauty. An analysis of The Heart ofMidlothian is necessary to understand the

character of Effie completely. She was a "beautiful and blooming girl" (93) in

her youth. Scott descirbes her appearance further: "Her Grecian shaped head

was profusely rich in waving ringlets ofbrown hair, which, confined by a blue
snood of silk, and shading a laughing Hebe countenance, seemed the picture
 90
-r---

of health, pleasure and contentment" (93). She was a living pi entre of health

and beauty (93). "She was currently entitled the Lily of St. Leonard's, a name

which she deserved as much by her guileless purity of thought, speech, and

action as by her uncommon loveliness of face and person" (93). But unlike

Amy and Civakami she had self-conceit and obstinacy, warmth and irritability
ofteinper and unrestrained freedom (94). She was an "untaught child of nature"

(99) who loved her sister to a great extent. She would even embrace and kiss

her sister (95). Unlike Jeanie she had "headstrong wilfulness of youth" (97).

Her sufferings started the day she started her clandestine love affair with
' '·
Robertson. She lost her "laughing cheeks" ('100). Instead her cheeks became
"pale" (100). The girl who was once "gay and beautiful" (100) suddenly stmied

shedding "floods of tears" (100). When the officers ofjustice arrested Euphemia

on a charge of child-murder, her beloved dad regarded her the "vile harlot... a

castaway- a profligate- a bloody zipporah- a mere murderess'" (102). From

that time onwards she became an "ill-fated young woman" (142). When lawyer

Sharpitlaw called Robertson, her lover a rascal Effie could not brook it. Her

love for him is revealed in this. When Ratcliffe, the ntrnkey of Tolbooth,

made a mention of her child, which was supposed to be dead, Effie burst out.

The suffering of a mother over her lost child is easily understood when she

said, "D'ye ken where they hae putten my baim?-oh, my bairn! my bairn! the

poor sackless innocent new-born wee are-bone of my bone, and flesh of my

flesh!. .. tell me where they hae put my bairn - the sign of my shame, and the

partner of my suffering! tell me who has taen't away, or what they hae dune
wi 't!" (190-91). She too was a principled woman. Therefore when Robertson

broke the Tolbooth to set her free she refused to escape. As Scott comments,
she was an "honest woman" (210) with "goodness of heart" (210). She was
 91

grief stricken when her dear fath.er swooned in the court at the time of her

trial. Out of guilty feeling she cried, " ... if I have na killed my poor infant, ... I

hae been the means of killing my gray-headed father- I deserve the warst frae

man, and frae God too-" (221 ). One can easily understand the bitterness in her
mind. Naturally, she was pained at heart when Jeanie refused to give false

evidence in the court. So Effie, out of anger, told Jeanie, "you have ... killed

me, when a word of your mouth would have saved me ... " (226). She suffered

as "a banished outlawed creature" (402). But marriage gave her the status of
an "honest woman" (404). In spite of her "wealth and distinction, ana an

honourable rank" (411) she considered her sister happier than herself because

Effie and her husband were childless. So, though Effie had become unhappy
in life, outwardly she looked cheerful. (416). It is indeed a pity that this character

gifted "in every particular with a higher degree of imagination than that of her

sister [Jeanie] (433) and an "admirer of the beauties of nature" (433) should

die at the end of the novel.

There is one more woman character in this novel who grips the mind of
., the reader with a kind of dreadful pity. It is Madge Wildfire. Although crazy
and insane, she is one of Scott's unforgettable minor characters. She was not

insane by birth. Unfortunately she was seduced by a young profligate

(Robertson). As a consequence she gave birth to an illegitimate child. Madge's

mother was ready to destroy the child. For, she wanted to conceal her shame

and arrange Madge's marriage with an elderly but wealthy man. This brutal
action of the mother caused derangement of Madge's mind. So the readers
sympathize with this character. Apart from the tragedy caused by the killing

of her baby she suffered at the hands of her mother who was always bullying

her. She met with a tragic death like Amy or Manimekalai. She fell into the
 92

hands of a rabble who teased and tormented her without any compunction.

They ducked her in a pool as she was insane. The impact of the torture was so

severe she died pathetically in a hospital. Mm;timekalai in Pa~zl]iYiiJ Ce/vm!

too met with a miserable death. Madge fell a victim to the 'lust' of a man

(Robertson) which made her insane and finally led her to death. Mal).imekalai

yearned for the love of Vantiyatteva!! which made her mad and led her to

pitiable death. The readers are reminded of Shakespeare's mad character

Ophelia in Hamlet.
-~.,
('' '-,

Thus, though Scott is a male novelist his great sucsess in creating female

characters is astonishing. Almost the entire novel The Heart ofMidlothian is

devoted to the portrait of the fair sex represented by these three women. The

potirayal of the strength and weakness of women characters is a proof of

Scott's deep knowledge about human beings. Thus some of his women
characters can be remembered chiefly as poetic creations.

Heroine Amy Robsart in Kenilworth is one of his most lively and lovely

characters. She was "the best and purest of creatures" (43 7). Like Jeanie and
Civakami she stood for some ideals. She died for ideals like 'Jove', 'truth',

'chastity' and 'honour'. She was the embodiment of ancient womanhood. She

was "country-bred" (63) and had rustic beauty. Though not of royal birth she

had majesty in her character. She was beautiful "as an angel" (15). Villain

Anthony Foster called her "pretty moppet" (4 7) and villain Varney described
her "my lord's ·pretty paroquet" (48) and "pretty little daisy" (51). She had

"brown curls" (58). She had "hazel eye", "a light brown eyebrow" and "long
eyelashes" (58). According to hero Tressilian she had "exquisite beauty" (95)

and "angelic countenance" (96). Smith described that Amy had "the fairest
 93

face", "rosy cheek" and "bright eyes" (119). She possessed "the form and hue

of a wood-nymph, with the beauty of a sylph ... " (318). Even an extremely

beautiful woman like Queen Elizabeth called her "fair nymph" (3 80). Therefore

it is no wonder that she became "the Queen of his [Leicester's] Affections"

(45). Leicester liked her as "sweet Amy" (72) and "lovely wife" (73 ). She was

innocent also. Therefore she considered that the mansion in which she li\·ed
like a prisoner was "like an enchanted palace" (57) or an "unimaginable

.,.(· paradise" (58). She regarded it as "the work of the magician love" (57) .
'
Unfmiunately her life ended in a miserable death. She fell in love with Dudley,

Earl of Leicester, and married him secretly. Her love was deeper than the love

of ordinary women. She had not married the Earl for his riches. She told the
Earl, "Do not think Amy can love thee in this glorious garb, than she did when

she gave her heart to him who wore the russet brown cloak in the woods of

Devon" (68). She was not after power. Her only desire in her life was to be

recognized publicly as a great Countess. The love-knot was the thing that she

held so dear to her heart. She told, "I love my husband. I will love him till my

latest breath" (258). She was also proud of her love. So she opined that he was

her husband's neck, and, unheeding the presence of Varney, overwhelmed

him with caresses. This is a proof of her deep love. She told the Earl, " ... how

could I injure that which I love better than myself?" (392).

Amy's love for truth and honour is commendable. Her desire was, as she
told Varney, "to speak the truth to my lord [Leicester] at all times; ... " (65). Her

husband wanted to hide the truth about her secret marriage with him and utter

a falsehood to Queen Elizabeth that she was the wife of Varney. Amy asked

her husband to tell the whole truth to the Queen as a true gentleman. She said,
"Be like a true English gentleman, knight, and earl who holds that truth is the
 94

foundation of honour, and that honour is dear to him as the breath ofhis nostrils"

(395). Leicester felt ashamed of himself and said that he did not deserve her
love. 'vVhen her honour was at stake she became ferocious like a lioness. So

she vehemently opposed the very idea of calling herself Varney's wife even if

it were to save her husband's life. So Leicester commented " ... not Elizabeth

on the throne has more pride than the daughter of this obscure gentleman [Sir

Hugh Robsart] of Devon. She [Amy] is flexible in many things, but where she

holds her honour brought in question, she hath a spirit and temper as

apprehensive as lightning and as swift in execution" (252). So, when Leicester

asked her to acknowledge Varney as her husband for a temporary period of

time, she said, "I will Not, ... obey you. You may achieve your own dishonour,

... but I will do nought that can blemish mine" (393). Like the women of the

past she cherished chastity as very dear to her heari and life. When Michael

Lamboume tried to molest her, she struggled like a bird in a cage. She appealed

to him to allow her to go. When Tressilian asked her whether she was marTied

to Vamey or living with him as a paramour, Amy burst out, "Stop thy base

unmannered tongue!" (38). Her husband Leicester was well aware of the noble

nature of his wife. So, when Vamey suggested that Amy should call herself

his wife to escape from the wrath of Queen Elizabeth he said, " ... that may

neither stand with my honour nor with hers" (251). He continued, "I cannot

urge her to aught so repugnant to her noble nature ... it would be a base requital

for the love she bears me" (253). Amy was willing to die rather than fall into
Varney's hands. So she told Wayland Smith, "Draw your sword ... and piece

my bosom with it, rather than I should fall into his hands!" (287). Similarly
Civakami was also ready to die to preserve her chastity. The moment she

realized that she was residing in the apartment ofTressilian, Amy felt shocked.
 95

As people would talk ill of her with Tressilian she prepared herself to quit the

apartment immediately. Her concern for chastity is revealed in the words she

utterd to Janet before leaving Cumnor-Place for Kenilworth: "I will appeal to

him [Leicester] alone- I will be protected by him alone .... They think, I suppose,
that I have left my father's house to follow lawless pleasure. It is an enor

which will soon be removed ... indeed it shall, for I will live with spotless

fame, or I shall cease to live" (278). She proved herself an ideal wife. For, she

did not betray her husband to Queen Elizabeth to set right grievances. Amy
waorrco good to inconvenience Leicester. Such a noble character became the

"most injured and the most helpless lady!" (279). As in the life of Effie,

Civakami and Ma~imekalai 'romance' caused suffering in Amy's life. Her

clandestine stay at Cumnor-Place itself was a mental torture to her. Naturally,

every married woman would like to live with her husband only. But Amy was

prevented from that. The news of her dear father's illness and her inability to
see him caused her mental suffering. The way her husband and Varney spoke

ill of a virtuous young man like Tressilian offended her. Varney tried to poison

her. This added to her grief. She had to undergo much tension on her way to

Kenilworth from Cumnor-Place as she was under the threat that Varney would

find her out any moment and mar her desire to see her husband. The acme of
her mental suffering was caused when her husband wanted her to call Varney

her husband for some time. Her cries and wails when Varney forcefully removed

her from Kenilworth calling her not mentally sound would move even the

stone-hearted person. She suffered the greatest physical pain when Varney

cunningly trapped her in a deep pit and killed her. Only death finally relieved
. ·-.........-
her of all her tortures -both physical and mental. Given to himself, the reader
would cry like the hero Tre.ssilian after reading the death scene of this noble
 96
·r-·
creation. Madge Wildfire and Ma!limekalai too met with the most pitiable
death like Amy. Such was the tragic fate of a heroine who was "as beautiful as
an angel..." (15). The three women were disappointed in their lives. Amy was

disappointed in her desire to live with her husband. Civakami was disappointed
in her love for Naracimman. Manimekalai died of madness caused by
disappointment in her love for Vantiyetteva!!.

A cham'ling woman character of Scott is Queen Elizabeth. She was not

an ordinary woman. Scott has attributed to her all the qualities of an ideal
ruler. No other writer would have presented this cha:r~.cter in such a glowing
and glamorous manner. She was full of royal qualities like 'majesty', 'kindness',
'benevolence', 'diplomacy' and 'justice'. Though she belonged to the weaker
sex, she established herself as an able administrator. She maintained her

authority and proved that she was in no way inferior to a male ruler. The
readers feel that the real Queen Elizabeth had been brought alive before their
eyes by Scott. Her 'haughty' spirit as a ruler, her 'motherly concern' for her
people, her 'balancing policy' are all beautifully pictured. Kalki 's royal
character Pallava King Makentirag resembled Queen Elizabeth in cettain
aspects. Both loved their subjects. Both were artists. Makentiran had invented
a musical instrument. Queen Elizabeth could write poems. Therefore she could
complete a verse written by Walter Raleigh. She had a taste for drama. So she
remarked, "And touching this Shakespeare, we think there is that in his plays
that is worth twenty Bear-gardens; ... " (207). She had beauty in her form. She
was in the prime of womanhood, and in the full glow of... beauty, ... a noble
figure, joined to a striking and commanding physiognomy" (167). She was
"the pride of England, the hope of France and Holland, .... " (378). There was
'majesty' in her voice and manner. She was the true daughter of Henry VIII.
 97

Her "early sufferings and excellent education ... had not altogether destroyed

the hereditary temper of the hard-tuled king ... Her mind ... was ... like the gentle

air, ... 'twas sweet and refreshing to all around her. Her speech did win all

affections ... when she smiled, it was a pure sunshine, ... but anon came a
stonn, ... and the thunder fell, ... on all alike" (249). She maintained her majesty

and sometimes haughtiness by her emphatic utterances. In hei· one can see

"the daughter of an hundred Kings" (339). Queen Elizabeth assetied her

authority on several occasions. Once Master Bower, the usher, refused to admit

Varney into the Queen's presence chamber. This provoked Leicester and he

scolded him. The Queen came to know of this. The spirit of Henry VIII was

instantly aroused in her bosom. She turned on Leicester with a severity which

appalled him. She spoke in a thundering voice and said, "God's death! my

lord, ... what means this? we have thought well of you, and brought you near to

our person; ... who gave you license to contradict our orders, or control our

officers?" (183). She did not stop by reprimanding Leicester. She gave a

waming to the Earl of Sussex also. So she said, "What I say to my Lord of

Leicester, .. .I say also to you, my Lord of Sussex ... " (1S4). She commanded

them to forget their differences of opinion and become friends. Otherwise she

wamed them, "you shall find an enemy who will be too strong for both of

you" (184). When Tressilian questioned the validity ofVamey's claim about

Amy's illness in the presence of the Queen, the Queen got offended and burst

out at Tressilian, " ... this is either moon-struck madness, or very knavery!-

Have him away, ... or it shall be the. worse for him .. .''(35~). Amy inadv~rtt:)ntly

informed Elizabeth of her husband's involvement in her life. Immediately,

realizing the danger to her husband from her royal highness, she retracted her

words. At this juncture the Queen emphasized her authority. She said "Thou
 -·--·------

98

wert better dally with a lioness than with Elizabeth" (381). She did not hesitate

to enquire even Leicester, her right-hand man. She suddenly became angry

and agitated to know about Leicester's.involvement in Amy's affair. She was

even prepared to behead him if he had practised any deception on the Sovereign.

This angelical princess called Leicester a traitor when she came to know of

his secret marriage with Amy. As a true ruler she could not tolerate the villainy

of her subject Leicester as it made her the laughing stock. She felt mortified

and so she cried, " ... (Leicester's] villainy hath made me ridiculous to my
subjects ... I would tear out mine eyes for their blindness!" (443 ). She displayed

her power by mortifying and taunting Leicester. On several occasions she

maintained her supremacy as a ruler. She was given to the caprices of an

administrator. She was a moody woman. Suddenly she would stare at people
angrily. The Queen appreciated Raleigh for his chivalry when he spread his

cloak like a red carpet for her to walk on the miry spot. To the same Raleigh,

within a few minutes, she behaved haughtily and severely. She spoke with

impetuosity whenever she was angry. Her oft changing mind is revealed on

another occasion. She, with real compassion, went to meet the ailing Earl of

Sussex. At Say's court, instead of comforting Sussex, she pulled him up for

his war-like preparations against Leicester inside the castle. Now and then,

'The spirit of Henry VIII was instantly aroused in the bosom of his daughter

[Elizabeth], ... "(182). Therefore she was very severe which appalled people,

including Sussex. She warned him: " ... he that refuses shall taste of our Tower
fare ere he sees our face again" (184 ). Here her tone was decisive and

authoritative. Thus we see even great earls were not exceptions to the brunt of
her fury. If this was the case with very important people one can understand

how severe she would have been with people less important. So, when the
 -----------

99

hero Tressilian and the villain Varney quanelled in her presence she yelled

"peace, you knaves, ... " (192) revealing authority. Leicester beautifully summed

up her character thus: "I think God, when he gave her [Elizabeth] the hea1i of

a
a woman, gave her the head of man to control its follies ... she ... would not

baiier one iota of her own supreme power for all the alphabet of both Cupid

and Hymen" (217-18). In " ... her ordinary mood she would look down a lion"

(377). She was " ... the dread of Spain ... " (378). The pride of her father was in

her blood. Her wisdom as a ruler is commendable. Diplomatically she governed

her kingdom by maintaining a balance between the two Earls - Leicester and

Sussex. Sometimes she showered kindness on them. At other times she rained
criticism on them. Thus we find that Scott has succeeded in giving his readers

a realistic picture of Queen Elizabeth. He has recreated the historic figure in a

wonderful manner. The over-bearing nature of the ruling class is clearly

rendered by the writer.

Scott does not fail to picture to the readers the other side of the personality

of Queen Elizabeth. No doubt she was a powerful monarch in the sixteenth

century England. But still she was full of cham1 and had feminine qualities.

She 'was soft and benevolent too. Like a mother she protected her subjects.

She was the nursing - mother of her people. Her mind was " .. .like the gentle

air, that cometh from the Western point in a summer's mom- 'twas sweet and

refreshing to all around her. Her speech did win all affections ... when she

smiled, it was a pure sunshine... " (249). She nurtured love for Dudley secretly.
But she had to sacrifice her romance for the sake of her country. When Leicester

tried to court her she said, "No, I must be the mother of my people. Other ties,

that make the lowly maiden happy, are denied to her Sovereign_ No,
Leicester, ... Were I as others, free to seek my own happiness ... but it cannot
 100

_cannot be" (378). Her love and responsibility towards her nation was

impotiant to her than her own personal happiness. Cupid could put her feelings
in motion. But the power of Hercules maintained their equilibrium (378). She

murmured to herself, "Elizabeth must be the wife and mother of England

alone (378)". She was aware of her duty to her citizens. They must be given

protection. Therefore when Amy sought the Queen's protection against the

villainy of Varney Queen Elizabeth replied, "Each daughter of England has

it..." (380). Her concern for the welfare ofherpeople was singular. The moment

~· she was informed of Sussex's ill-health she immediately sent her personal
r- "·
physician Masters to give treatmert to Sussex. Likewise, while Elizabeth was

enquiring about Tressilian's petition concerning Amy, Dudley looked deadly

pale. Immediately Elizabeth, in a hurried voice, said, "Call Masters _ call

our surgeon in ordinary... "(l85). Elizabeth met Amy for the first time in
Leicester's Pleasance. At that time Amy was a total stranger to her. Even then

Elizabeth was very kind and sympathetic. She was worried to see beautiful

Amy looking pale and sorrowful. Therefore she wanted to help her. From the
above incidents one can realize the 'benevolent' attitude of Elizabeth.

The quality of 'justice' was another hallmark of this noble character. To

Elizabeth all her subjects were equal- whether a nobleman or a pauper. So she

told the hero Tressilian, "In our presence the meanest of our subjects shall be

heard against the proudest, and the least known against the most favoured;

therefore you shall be heard fairly, ... " (349). Once she told Tressilian that she
owed " ... justice to our nearest as well as to our highest subject" (191).
Falsehood was something which she abhorred. So, when she came to know

that Leicester had suppressed from her knowledge his marriage with Amy,

there was a tear in her eye. She could not brook his falsehood and uttered, "I
 101

could tear out mine eyes ... " (443). Such was her anger against duplicity. Even

though she was a mighty ruler she felt like crying. This incident brings out her

soft feminine nature in spite of being the sovereign. Thus, in Queen Elizabeth

Scott has successfully portrayed the noble qualities of a woman mler. In the

reign of this "Royal Maiden" and "angelical Princess" ( 417) the subjects were

all happy.

In Count Robert ofParis too Scott has created noble women characters

like Brenhilda, Bertha and Princess Anna Comnena. They stand for ancient
,. "·
womanhood. As they lived during the period of the early Cmsades, that is the _.

eleventh century, they exhibited 'valour' in their word and deed. \Vomen

characters like Jeanie, Effie, Amy, Civakami, Kuntavai, Vanati and

Manimekalai were domestic by nature. They were passive, calm and more

feminine. Women characters in this novel displayed masculine qualities like

strength, majesty, heroic spirit, fearlessness and scholarship.

Heroine Brenhilda was the Countess of Paris. She had "great beauty"

(163) She stood for vi1iues like 'heroism', 'loyalty', 'chastity' and 'honour'.

Even in her young days she had taste for "martial amusements" (309). This

Amazon defeated numerous suitors in the lists with her lance. In her words

uttered to Princess Anna one can understand her character. She said, "Fear?

afraid'~ escort? protect? These are words I know not. Know, lady, that my

husband, the noble Count of Paris, is my sufficient escort and even were he

not with me, Brenhilda de Aspramonte fears nothing and can defend herself'

(196). Finally she was defeated by hero Count Robert of Paris and married

him. In her loyalty to her husband she was like Amy in Kenilworth. She was

chaste. That was why she killed on the spot a Syrian named Toxartis when he
 102

.~ ·•
tried to misbehave with her. She proved her chastity once again by refusing to

be the Caesar's paramour. She even challenged him for a duel. If she won, her

. paptive husband should be set free. Like a true wife she objected to her husband

.. ·going to the adventure of Zulichium. For, her husband had to kiss the Princess
.

there which she did not like. Brenhilda respected her husband and vice versa.

The Count had faith in her fidelity. In the dungeon, during his imprisonmen:,

he thought, "She [Brenhilda] is pure ... as the dew ofheaven, and heaven will

not abandon its own" (244). At times she became violent like a tigress. That

was why she killed some of the slaves of the household when she was separated

from her husband and detained in the palace of Blacquernal. Similarly we

find Civakami ready to murder Nakananti who was her lover's enemy.

Brenhilda felt very proud of her husband's valour. She challenged the Caesar

to produce before her "a Grecian knight gallant enough to look upon the armed

crest of ... [her] husband without quaking" (282). When Nicephorus asked her
to choose him as her protector, she retorted, "A better than him [the Count], ...

I can never have, were I to choose out of the Knighthood of all the world!"

(286). Here her pride in her husband is revealed. The reader is reminded of

Amy who refused to accept Varney as her husband even for a short period.

Both women were known for their modesty and chastity. Like them Civakami

too refused to associate herself with N~kananti who was not her lover, Brenhilda
was so bold that she was prepared to hold the lists against the Caesar and even

" ... against all the Grecian empire" (287). If she won, " ... the noble Count Robert
[would] ... be set at liberty" (287). She was like a female Quixote indulging

herself in chivalrous fancies and was an adventuress. She had the heroic spirit.

Therefore she engaged herself in the crusade along with her husband. Finally
" ... the heroic Countess, ... enjoyed the great satisfaction of mounting the walls
 103

of Jerusalem, and in so far discharging her own vows and those of her husband"

(481 ). For the Countess "One hour of life cro\\(ded to the full with glorious

action, and filled with noble risks, is worth whole years of those mean

observances of paltry decorum in which men steal through existence ... without. ..

honour. .. " (3 70). Like Jeanie Deans she was highly spiritual. Once Agelastes

spoke to the Countess very highly about the Grecian gods. This enraged

Brenhilda. Immediately she called Agelastes a wretch and said, " ... if thou

scoffest or utterest reproach against my holy religion [Christianity], .. .I will

reply to, ... with the point of my dagger" (371). Thus the qualities such as
·-~:.
.•. ,..
beauty, chastity, valour, adventurous spirit, heroism and honour are embodied

in her. The Countess stands in the row of excellent women characters created

by Scott and Kalki.

In this novel, Princess Anna Comnena is another beautiful creation by

Scott. She was known for her 'beauty' and 'scholarship'. She was just twenty

seven and " ... bent towards philosophy and literature" (65). "The literary

princess herself had the bright eyes, straight features, and comely and pleasing

manners ... A table before her was loaded with books, plants, herbs, and
- ,.....
..
drawings" (50). Her erudition made her even write the history of her father's

battle with Jezdegerd near the town of Laodicea. Her husband Nicephorus

Briennius was worse than Leicester. Leicester was in love with only spinster

Elizabeth. But Nicephorus loved another man's wife. Naturally, Anna

Comnena, who was faithful to her husband, refused to pardon him. Her filial
love was unique. Her father forced her to ditch her husband and marry Ursel

as her husband had conspired against him. Unwillingly she was preparing

herself for it. This reminds the readers of Prince Naracimma~ who was getting

himself ready to give up his lover Civakami and marry the Pavtiya Princess on
 104

the advice of his father. Though Anna could not speak against her father, still
she wanted to maintain her royal dignity by refusing to accept another suitor
as her husband (450). This is a proof of her 'chastity'. Hence, this character
also remains one of the admirable women characters of Scott.

Bertha is another noble creation of Scott. She was 'daring' as a young

girl. She went for boar hunting. She was like a bold squire of the adventuress
Brenhilda. She was highly skilled in music, needle-work and other female
accomplishments. Her love for Hereward did not diminish in any way in spite
of several years of sep~ration from him. Her condition was similar to that of
Civakami who was separated from her lover for nine years. Though a woman,
Bertha undettook the hazardous mission of meeting the General-in-Chief of
the Crusade in Scutari for the rescue of her Mistress Brenhilda and her husband
from the Greeks. She spoke to Godfrey, the Chief Crusader, with all respect
and humility and achieved her goal. Godfrey sent an army unit immediately to
Constantinople. This incident shows her dexterity and courage. She was glibe

like Jeanie and Civakami. Jeanie convinced Queen Caroline by her moving
speech to obtain royal pardon for her sister. Likewise Civakami pleaded with
Pulikeci and procured the release of the Chalukya men and women ofKanci,
held as captives. Thus Bertha is presented as a good character.

As in the novels of Scott, in the historical novels of Kalki also we find

women characters of a noble order. Civakami in Civakamiyi!!:. Capatam and

Kuntavai in Po!J:!JiYi!l Celva!!:. are good examples of memorable women

characters. Civakami was the greatest Bharathanatyam dancer in her times.
Her dance was praised as a divine one. A Hindu Saint named Navukkaracu
commented, "Your [Ayanar's]daughter [through her dance] has made the Lord
 105

[Shiva] sitting on the Himalayas appear specially before me" (186; vol.l ).

Such was the power of her talent iii dancing. She was the Queen of Bharatha

dance (403; vol.l ). In her joyous dance there were different varieties of gaits.

The majestic gait of a tusker, the graceful gait of a horse, the charming gait of

a young deer, the fascinating gait of a forest peacock and the wonderfully

beautiful gait of a swan could be seen in her dance (290; vo1.2). Her dance

was so charming that the viewers" .. .left this mundane world and transcended

to a joyous dream world" (31-32; vol.3, Ch.14). It could make even villain

Nakananti, a Buddhist monk, fall in love with her. Nakananti exalted her as

the " ... most famous dancer of South India" (32; vol.3, ch.23). In his~::>pinion

Civakami's wonderful dance was "an art meant as an offering to God" (35;

vol.3, ch.42). Her father Ayanar described her as " ... the unparalleled dancer in

the continent ofBharath [India]" (33; vo1.3, ch.32). Her dance was appreciated

even by foreigners. Her dance postures were admired with wonder by the

Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang (32; vol.4, ch.23). Like the women characters

of Scott she had many good qualities like beauty, modesty, chastity, honour

and selflessness. She was an "angel of beauty" (14; vol.l). Her face was a

"full moon" (76; vol.l). It was golden (397; vol.2). It was a red lotus

(178; vol.1 ). Her eyes were reddish (77; vol.1 ). Her lips were of coral colour

(205; vol.l). According to Kamali, a woman character, she was equal to

thousand princesses. Even heavenly dancers like Arampai and Urvaci could

not have been as beautiful as Civak~mi (413; vol.2). Her beauty is further

described by Kalki thus : "It seemed to Pulikeci that perhaps one of the
wonderfully painted images which he had seen in the deep interior of the

Ajanta Cave has become alive and is walking before him [Pulikeci]. .. " (30;
vol.2, ch.14). Civakami is like Amy in Kenilworth. Amy, the daughter of an
 106
I

ordinary knight, was loved by an Earl. Likewsie, Cvakami, the daughter of a

sculptor, was loved by a prince. In beauty also Civakami resembled Amy and

Queen Elizabeth. Another remarkable feature ofCivakami was her 'innocence'.

Villain Nakananti very easily seduced her mind by saying that Naracimmm.2
was a womanizer and a coward. Like a child she believed it immediately. This

is similar to Leicester suspecting his own wife under the instigation of villain
Varney. Later Civakami realized her folly in believing Nakananti and

apologized to her lover Naracimman. She was very firm in her mind in her

love for Naracimmag. When king Makentiravarmag pleaded with her to give

up her love for his son, she rejected him. She would rather die. Some women

characters of Kalki like Civakami and Kuntavai had a special quality. Their

parents acquired knowledge from them. Civakami was a great source of

inspiration to her sculptor - father. After seeing her lively Bharathanatya

movements only her father made life like statues of dancing women. Her father

even praised her saying that even the Saint who began Bharathanatyam should

Jearn the nuances of dance movements from her (60; vol.l). Like the heroines

Amy and Jeanie, Civakami had great love and affection for her father. She did

not want to marry as she had to leave her father after marriage. Another

remarkable quality of this character is her 'selflessness'. \Vhen Prince

Naracimmag was ready to forego his kingship for the sake of her love she

disapproved of it. She would rather die than see him give up his kingdom.

When Catrukga!!. asked her to escape with him from the Chalukyas she refused
to do so. \Vhen thousands of Kaiici women were suffering as captives why

should she alone escape? (31; vo1.3, ch.3 7). This thought was in her mind.

Very boldly she argued with Pulikeci to send away the Kanci women whom
............
' he had taken as captives. She was even prepared to sacrifice herself to save
 107

them (32; vol.3, ch.37). Her sense of self-respect even in trying situations is

quite amazing. Veryboldlyshe refused to dance before Pulikeci and the Persian

ambassadors. For, as she told Pulikeci, " ... you cannot enslave my fine art. .. I

won't dance under fear of your authority!. .. " (34; vol.3, ch.46). When her self

respect was wounded she became wild. An instance can be seen. Nakananti

asked Civakami to leave Vatapi. She refused and even took a vow that she

would leave Vatapi only when her lover Naracimma!! came and avenged

Pulike"ci by burning down Vatapi. Her prestige was offended when N ~kananti
called her lover a coward. She vowed to Nakananti,

Monk! Listen to me. Do you know when I will leave Vatapi city?

One day, bold Mamallar [Naracimma!!] whom you scandalized as a

coward will make an aggression on Vatapi ... He will rout the Chalukya

army. He will send ham1ful Pulikeci who made me dance in street comers

to the world ofYama [God of Death]. Blood river will flow in the roads

where Tamil women and men were taken in a procession with their hands

tied. In the four street corners where they were stationed and whipped,

·r the corpses ofVatapi people will lie uncared for. The mansions and tall

towers of this capital city will bum and become ashes. This city will

become a graveyard. I shall leave this place after seeing that sight with

my eyes. Mamallar will come to take me by the hand after triumphing

over the Chalukya husk and garlanding himslef with olive. I will leave
[Vatapi] only then ... " (35; vol.3, ch.SO).

She was very bold also. To save her lover she would go to any extent - even
murder. She threw a knife at Nakananti. It wounded his back. She had a tender

heart. Hence she agreed to dance in street corners in order to save Pallava men
 108

and women frmn being whipped by Chalukya soldiers (31; vol.3, ch.48). She
even syumpathized with her enemies, the people of Vatapi. Though she had
taken a vow that she would leave Vatapi only after its destruction, she changed

her mind on the advice of the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang. She had remorse
for Vatapi people. So she did not like to fulfil her vow (34; vol.4, ch.23). Her
matmity of mind is revealed. She requested General Paraiicoti and Naracimma?_
to stop the war against Vatapi as innocent people would suffer. She felt sorry
for the hon·ible massacre already committed for her sake (53; vol.4, ch.34).
Like Amy and Brenhilda she was chaste. To preserve her chastity she would
(' . '·
even commit suicide. So she always kept a ]c.nife ready. There was a well in
the backyard of her mansion in case she wanted to commit suicide (30; vol.4,
ch.40). Similarly the Countess too would kill herself rather than marry the
challenger Briennius. Amy would kill herself rather than be called the wife of
Vamey. All these women stood for ancient feminine virtues.

Kuntavai in Po'!:n.Jyin CelvaiJ:.. is also a charming and noble woman

character created by Kalki. She was noted for her qualities like beauty, wisdom,
political sagacity, sisterly love and literacy. While Civakami was a romantic
maiden, Kuntavai was an intellectual character. There was a rare maturity in

her that made others revere her. Kalki perhaps hoped that women should be
like Kuntavai. At the same time, a woman should not be a destructive avenger
like Nanti!li. Scott was quite successful in presenting the nature and behaviour
of royal people like Queen Elizabeth, Leicester, Queen Caroline, Count Robert
of Paris, Brenhilda, Emperor Comnenus, Caesar Nicephorus and Princess Anna.
So also Kalki proved himself a master in the creation of royal characters like
Kuntavai, Vanati, Prince Arulmolivarman, Prince Atitta Karikalan and C~la
- . - - . - -
King Cuntara Co!an. Kuntavai is one of the best women characters in Tamil
 109

fiction. She was the "darling daughter" (17; vol.l) ofCuntara Co~an. In beauty
she was as good as Effie, Amy, Queen Elizabeth, Brenhilda and Civakami.
She had "the majestic loveliness of a red lotus" (76; vol.l ). Further Kalki
describes her as "the full moon" (76; vol.1) and "dancing peacock" (76; vol.1).
As the astrologer described her she was a mother in whom the goddess of art
and the goddess of wealth were one (81; vol.l) .. Kuntavai had a beautiful
face. There was "majesty and magnanimity" (180; vol.l) in it. She had eyes
looking like black beetle (696; vol.5). In beauty she resembled "the divine
virgins descended from heaven" (310; vol.I). Her face was "golden" (347;

vol.l ). Kuntavai 's beauty is further described by Kalki thus : "Kuntavai had
the complexion of red .lotus ... Kuntavai's good face was slightly elongated
like the statue warped by expert sculptors ... Kuntavai 's dark blue eyes extended
up to her. ears and shone graceful like the petals of nilotpalam [flowers] .. .
Kuntavai 's nose was a little long and resembled the bud ofpannir (dew) flower.. .
Kuntavai 's thin lips looked like honey sprinkling pomegranate bud" (I 02-03;
vol.2). According to Kalki she had "enchanting form and graceful face" (145;
vol.2). An equally beautiful woman character Nantigi regarded her as "the
unparalleled beautiful woman in all the three worlds" (24; vol.3). She had a
red lotus physique, big black eyes and a voice sweeter than honey (251; vol.3).
Her beauty was matched by her virtues. Nantigi, the she-villain in this novel,
was more beautiful than Kuntavai. But she was bad-natured. Kuntavai is a
contrast to Nantigi. Kuntavai was kind and compassionate to all. She loved
her brother Attitta Karikalau and Aru[mo!ivarmag and vice versa. This is similar
to the extraordinary love of Jeanie for Effie. The people of the Co!a Kingdom
had great respect for her. Her compassion for the CoLa people is commendable.
She founded a hospital for the welfare of the wives and children of Cola soldiers
 110

who l1ad gone to fight in Ceylon under the leadership of Arulmolivarman.

. - --
Like Queei1 Elizabeth she had motherly concern for the Cola people. One

night a severe stonn raged in the Cola land and caused heavy damage ..Kuntavai

was much wonied. She asked the Chief Minister to ameliorate the grievances

of the people. She appealed to him, "I shall offer all my personal belongings.

My mother is also ready to give like that. You can take all things in the

Emperor's palace ... Make some an·angement of- at least some temporary relief

-to relieve the poor of their miseries ... " (193; vol.4). She was regarded as the

'family deity' of the Cola land (371; vol.l ). Her concern for the people reminds

us of Queen Elizabeth who thought herself as the mother of her people.

Patriotism was in Kuntavai 's blood. She loved her mother country very much.

Therefore she had taken a vow not to leave her mother country, the Co!a land,

by way of marriage (78; vol.1). She would rather many a poor soldier of Cola

Country and remain in Co!a land than marry a king of another country and

leave the Co!a land (79; vol.1). Her political sagacity is quite appreciable. As

Vantiyatteva_ll opined, "Today in this country, you [Kuntavai] possess

unmatched power. The Emperor [Cuntara Colal!], Pa~ve!~araiyar brothers and

·~

the Chief Minister will not be bold enough to act against your wish" (237;

vol.3). Even the Co!a King Cuntara Co!an ruled over the Kingdom only on
her advice. He asked his officials to get the opinion ofhis wife and his daughter

for each and everything (58; vol.l). Her younger brother Aru!mo_livarmag

obeyed her and acted according to her dictates. Her words were like Holy

Scripture to him. Her lover Vantiyattevag had heard about her "beauty,

versatility and wisdom" (205; vol.l). She was shrewd and prudent. Hence

"She laid the foundation for the prosperity of the Cola Kingdom. She was a

bold woman who brought up Raja Rajag's [Aru!moUvarma~'s] son Rajendirall

 11 i

as the King of Kings" (77; vol.l ). This intellectual character too fell a victim

to Cupid's arrows. Her romance was with Vantiyatteva!!_. It was of a gentle

type. Vantiyatteva!! was neither a prince nor a king. Yet his dynamic nature

captivated her. Her love for him w·as so deep that she preferred death if she

could not marry him. So she promised Vantiyatteva!2, "If any danger befalls
your life, a princess [refening to herself] born in the Cola dynasty famous

from ancient times will become a widow even before marriage! Don't forget

this!" (769; voi.S). Even if several princes came to marry her, she would select

. only Vantiyatteva~, an orphan youth, and marry him (768; voi.S). The reader

is reminded of Jeanie Deans' firm love. She insisted on the modesty of women.

So she pulled up her friends when they made fun ofVantiyattevag for having

wounded a doll crocodile mistaking it to be a real one. All these noble qualities

in her make the readers think along with Vantiyatteve!!_ that she was "the

undiminishing ace lamp ofthe ancient Cola dynasty, the prosperous good

daughter of King Cuntara Cola and the dear sister of Aru!moFvarmar... " (350;

vol.l ). Like Scott's character Jeanie, she acted with great responsibility. Jeanie

wanted to save her sister. Kuntavai wanted to save her brother and father.

There was a conspiracy to assassinate her brother and father. She did not want

to lead a pleasant life in Palaiyarai while terrific plots were hatched in the

Kingdmn (96; vol.2). So she decided to go to Thanjavur so that she could see
that no danger befell her dear father (97; vol.2). Her responsible nature endeared

her to her father. He had great faith and confidence in her. Hence he confided
to her his past love affair with a dumb woman in Ceylon. She had the wisdom

to question her own father in important political matters. Cuntara Colar

suggested that none of his two sons should succeed him. Only Maturantakag

should ascend the Cola throne after him. Then Kuntavai asked him sensibly,
 112

"For that [to rule over a country] need not he have the capability?" (135;

vol.2), and "Need not the country citizens agree to that [Maturantaka!]; ruling

over the Kingdom]?" (135; vol.2). She realized the great danger to the Cola
kingdom from the conspirators and also to the right of her two brothers to rule

over the Co~a kingdom. She had the 'responsibility' to defend them from this

danger. At the same time she acted with intelligence. She came to know that

the Cola
- people were terribly angry with Paluvettaraiyar
' - ...
brothers and

Maturantakar. The people thought that the King was imprisoned and
Paluvettaraiyar
- .. ... .
brothers had drov,,ned Prince Arulmolittevar in the sea.

Paluvettaraiyar brothers were waiting for some reason to start a war. Blood
- "
flood would flow in Cola land as a result of this. Soon after hearing this

Kuntavai gave up her desire of her brothers ascending the Cola throne. She

said, "Now I have no objection to crown Maturantaka!_!" (20 1; vol.4 ). This

proves how her country's welfare was more important to her than the welfare

ofher brothers. As her father thought about her " ... she had unparalleled wisdom

and forethought" (252; vol.4). Even the Chief Buddhist Monk was of the view

that " ... in no other royal dynasty a l<idy with the intelligence of Kuntavai was

bom" (20; vol.S). Her younger brother thought of her thus : "There is no

person in the world as wise as my sister! ... In truth should we not place lady

Kuntavai in the throne? ... " (54; vol.S). Her responsible and dutiful nature as

the daughter of the Cola King is revealed in all this. Like other women

characters of Scott and Kalki she too had her own suffering. Kuntavai 's early

life was a non stop happy festival like that of Civakami and Amy. Kuntavai
was the apple of the eye of her parents, brothers, Chief Minister, teachers,

maid- servants and friends. Even Nantigi, who was jealous ofKuntavai, knew

that " ... there were thousands and ten thousands of people in Cola land whose
 ---------------

113

heart would be agitated even if a tear was found in her eyes" (24; vol.3). Atitta

Karikala!! regarded her as " ... the ,"Visest person. in the family" ( 438; vol.5). In

her early life she had never experienced pain. But she was suffering in her

own way. Her father was ailing from paralysis. A conspiracy was being hatched

to assassinate her father and brothers. Still she had the 'mental courage' to

tackle all these problems. She had greet confidence that she would overcome

all these with her 'intellect'. In this she was like Jeanie. She could be sharp,

biting and commanding like Queen Elizabeth. So, once she questioned Cigl}a

Paluvettaraiyar
- .. whether he could
-.
not wait till the death of her father to
.,.-· ·-.
confiscate the powers to rule over the Co!a Kingdom (155; vol.2). Her great _,

ambition was that she should die only after seeing the Cola Kingdom spread
from Ceylon to Ganges and from Maldive islands up to Cavakam (369; vol.3).

In the case of Jeanie her aim was the release of her sister. Amy's aim was that
she should be acknowledged publicly as Leicester's wife and Countess.

Brenhilda's aim was to reach the Holy Land. Civakami's aim was that V~tiipi

must be destroyed. Amy and Kuntavai had subjective aims whereas Jeanie

and Brenhilda had objective aims. Kuntavai was 'patriotic'. So she told her

brother, "For me this Cola Kingdom's betterment is foremost. As you would

be useful to that purpose I am in love with you. If I came to know that you
would be a banier to that purpose, my love may tum into hatred" (372; vol.3).
She was much respected even by Government officials. Therefore Periya
Pal~vegaraiyar, the Treasury Officer, always addressed her, "Mother!" (100;
vo1.5). Kuntavai too showed great respect to elders. She had no vengeful
tendency. Nantigi hated Kuntavai. Still Kuntavai requested Periya
Pa!~venaraiyar to promise her not to do any harm to Nantigi though the latter
had conspired against the CoLa dynasty ( 108; vol.4). Kalki sums up her character
thus:
 114

Kuntavai was born and ]:>rought up in 1iches. In beauty she resembled

Rati [a beautiful dancer in Heaven]. In knowledge she was like

Kalaimakal [Goddess of Knowledge]. In luck she was similar to

.
Tirumakal [Goddess ofWealth]. All people- from Emperor Cuntara Colar
-
up to the ordinary citizens of the Cola country praised her. In the palace,.

people were waiting to fulfil by their heads what she laid down by her

legs. Minor Kings yearned for the fortune of the princesses born in their

dynasties to become lady Kuntavai's maids. In Bharatha country [India],

in those days, the royal sons of many emperors having the right to ascend

the throne were undergoing great penance to many Kuntavai (424; voi.S).

Thus Kalki has been successful in presenting the character of a dignified royal
woman like Kuntavai. In the women characters Queen Elizabeth of Scott and

Kuntavai of Kalki the readers are able to get a clear picture of the way royal

women might have behaved in England and Tamil Nadu respectively.

In Pot!:~!iyi11. Celva!l_ even an ordinary woman character is presented in a

r~
I noble manner. The character called Mantakigi or 'Dumb Queen' is a very

good example. She was the erstwhile lover of King Cuntara CoLan when he

was in Ceylon for some time. Yet she was magnanimous enough not to claim

any right to the Queenship of the Cola country. Risking her life she had saved

the life of Prince Am!moli twice. When he was a boy, she saved him from the

·floods of river PogJli. On another occasion she saved him from being killed by

the crumbling top of a temple in Ceylon. It was a conspiracy hatched by

Ravitacan. Later, she sacrificed her own life to save the Cola King, her former

lover. Conspirator Coman Campava!2 hurled a sharp javelin at the King. But

Mantakigi intervened and received the javelin in her breast. This killed her
 115

soon. Thus she sacrificed her life to save the King. Here the readers are

overwhelmed by the reflection of ancient womanhood in a cbaracter like

Mantakini.

Thus we find Scott and Kalki creating memorable women characters.

They were noble, graceful and majestic. They had certain principles. Honour

was as important as life to them. Civakami would not think of marrying anybody

except Naracimmag. When Naracimma!J; married the PaiJ!iya Ptincess Civakami

married God Himself. She was selfless. For her sake she would not prevent

_.her lover from going to war. She wanted to avenge Pulikeci. The Countess

Brenhilda also wanted to avenge Nicephorus. Civakami was not an Amazon

like the Countess. She was given to one of the fine arts, dancing. She had

tender feelings for the sufferings of others like Jeanie. Jeanie helped her sister
to be pardoned. Civakami helped the people of her nation to be released by

Pulikeci. She did not mind even dancing till death to protect her country people

from being whipped in the public. Jeanie, Civakami and the Countess were all

steadfast in their love. Jeanie preferred a poor teacher and not a rich man as

her husband. Similarly the Countess remained loyal to her husband though

she was tempted with Queenship of the Grecian empire. Jeanie could have
uttered a lie and saved her sister. The Countess could have said 'yes' to the

Caesar and become the Queen. Civakami could have married N;-kananti who

adored her. But, these women were all prepared to suffer for noble principles

of truth and faith.

There is some similarity between Scott and Kalki in their creation of

•
men characters also. Both have produced some of the memorable men

characters Edmund Tressilian, Leicester, Wayland Smith, Richard Varney,

 116

·Count Robe1i of Paris, Hereward, Emperor Comnenus, Caesar Nicephorus,

Philosopher Michael Agelastes, Makentiravarmm12 Naracimmavarma1~,

Parancoti, Nikananti, Atitta Karikalm~, Aru]molivamlan, Vantiyatte-van_ and

Ravitacan. The above list is a mixture of good and bad characters. Of the

above mentioned characters, Scott's Richard Vamey and Kalki's Nakanati are
arch villains. These villains are as bad as Shakespeare's Iago. Shakespeare,

Scott and Kalki can be ranked together as far as the creation of these villain

characters is concerned. In The Heart ofMidlothian Scott is greatly interested

in depicting the history of the heroine Jeanie Deans. So the readers do not find
c ·-
the novelist evincing remarkable 'enthusiasm in the presentation of the greatness

of men characters. Actually hero Reuben Butler was only a schoolmaster who

later became a humble pastor. He is not presented with many glowing features

that go with a hero. As a boy he was pale, thin, feeble, sickly, and somewhat

lame. To compensate his weakness Scott has made him a good scholar who

had university education. Of course he was good-natured and God-fearing.

He lived a contented life. Butler proved himself to be a Steady and true lover

to Jeanie. Apart from the above simple information about the hero Butler, the
r· readers do not have any instance of heroic activities which glorify him as

hero.

In Kenilworth, the character of the hero Edmund Tressilian is portrayed

in great depth. One feels that Scott could create in a dignified manner men

characters also. Like the heroines Jeanie Deans, Amy Robsart and Civakami
Edmund Tressilian also was not of royal birth. Yet Scott raises him to great

heights. He is as important as the heroes Count Robert of Paris, Naracimma!l

-
and Arulmolivarman. Just as the women characters of the two writers stand
. -
for noble principles Edmund Tressilian stands for some noble qualities. He
 II 7

was full of chivalry and valour li~e the ancient l01ights. His life's mission was ·

to restore Amy Robs art back to her father. He believed that she had run away

with villain Varney and was living with him as his paramour. This was sheer

injustice. For, her act had caused misery not only to her father Sir Hugh Robsmt

but also to herself. Therefore she must be saved from the villain. To achieve

this end he was prepared even to make an appeal to the Queen of England. In

this mission his 'chivalrous' spirit is revealed. His chivalrous concern for the
modesty of women is revealed when he advised innkeeper Giles Gosling not

.( to trust his guests and allow them to kiss his daughter (98). He w"'~<' ... as
~

brave as steel" (91). Therefore, when the Earl of Leicester challenged him for

a combat for no known reason, he immediately acepted it. He could not say

no to the challenge like a coward. He had the stamina to fight against a versatile

warrior like Leicester. Like ancient Knights he had" ... a hand and eye admirably
well adapted to the use of the rapier... " (41). In the beginning of the novel he

had also fought with Richard Varney and defeated him badly. These two

incidents throw light on the 'valour' of Edmund Tressilian. As Scott pays

more attention to the presentation of characters and story he does not present
the hero indulging in fierce fights or battles. Like Naracimmag Tressilian was

a disappointed lover. Both of them could not marry their sweethearts. Of course

there is a vast difference in the romance of these two characters. Naracimma!_!;

was loved by his lady love. In the case of Tressilian it was only one-sided

love. Even then Tressilian's love was 'ideal'. While Naracimma!]_ married a

girl other than his lover, Tressilian did not do so. He remained a bachelor,
went on an expedition to Virginia and died there a broken hearted man as he

could not save Amy from her misery. One can say he sacrificed himself for the

sake of love and became a martyr. Some women characters like Queen
 118

Elizabeth, Civakami and Mimimekalai were also disappointed in their love

like Tressilian. As in the case of Tressilian, Mm}imekalai's love was one-

sided. She was in love with Vantiyattevan. But he did not receiprocate her

love. The case of Queen Elizabeth and Civakami was similar. For their lovers

married women other than themselves. So they could not marry their lovers. It

is a pity poetic justice is not done to Tressilian. Scott puts an end to the life of

this good-natured character.

Apart from 'valour' and 'chivalry' Edmund Tressilian had other good

qualities which make him as great as the royal heroes of Scott like Count

Robe1t of Paris and the heroes ofKalki like Naracimman

- and Arulmolivarman.
.. - -
Kalki gives hero status only to royal people whereas Scott makes even ordinary

people like Edmund Tressilian and Butler heroes of his historical novels.

Tressilian had no ill-will for any one including Amy. Initially, Amy was engaged

to Tressilian. Later she rejected him. But Tressilian was not angry. He only

wished for her decent living and restoration to her father. He was a scholar.

Everybody, including Queen Elizabeth, admired his scholarship. According

to Amy his (Tressilian's) head was full of learning (258). Amy had always
-,-
/
" ... honoured and respected" (320) him. The Earl of Sussex spoke of him as a

" ... distinguished soldier and scholar" (357) and " ... a man of unstained lineage"

(357). In Scott's own words " ... nature had endowed Tressilian with firm nerves,

and his education, originally good" (119). Like Kalki 's heroes Tressilian was

pure. He was " ... saintly, sighing Tressilian" ( 47). Most of the time his eyes

had some" ... meditative and tranquil cast..." (10). He had a " ... melancholy
smile" (11 ). Giles Gosling regarded the name Tressilian as a " ... worthyname"

(12)'. Almost all the characters in the novel had a high opinion about this

character. A mischievous boy like Dickie Sludge regarded him as a

•
 119

" ... gentleman" (113). In the words of Wayland Smith, the hero's friend, ·

Tressilian was " ... a worthy, kind, and well- a~complished gentleman" (118).

Even a drunkard-villain like Michael Lambourne said about Tressilian thus :

"your bearing makes it good; of civil habits and fair reputation - ... " (26)

Heroine Amy knew he was " ... good Tressilian" (37). So, Amy burst out at
Vamey who accused Tressilian of falsehood thus: "He [Tressilian] is the freest,

the most open, the most gentle heart that breathes. My honourable lord

[Leicester] even excepted, I know not one to whom falsehood is more odious

than to Tressilian (62)". His was " ... the way of truth and honour" (63). To her

husband who hated Tressilian as an enemy Amy said, " ... he [Tressilian] is

incapable of returning injury for injury" (78). She also pointed out that he was
" ... a man of stainless honour and integrity .. .I will not permit virtue to be

slandered" (394). She had robbed him of a " ... childish heart" (3 7) as she had

refused to marry him. Royal people like Ratcliffe, the Earl of Sussex, regarded
him as one of the foremost and nearest of friends. Such was the noble nature

of Tressilian which endeared him to the Earl. Tressilian was 'honest' also.

Therefore he reprimanded Wayland Smith whenever he tried to deceive others.

On the way to London from Lidcote Hall, Wayland Smith told others some

cock and bull story about Tressilian so that the people would think that

Tressilian was a great dignitary. Tressilian puiled him up for this and said, "I

advise you to practise no such knavery while waiting upon me" (153). He was

'kind' even to those who harmed him. In the duel with Leicester, Leicester

was about to kiii Tressilian. Even at that moment Tressilian said, " ... may God
forgive you!" (436). Leicester realised that he had mistaken a man of honour

like Tressilian a villain (43 7). Hence he asked Tressilian to pierce his heart

with his sword. But Tressilian was too "noble-minded" (43 7) for revenge. He

..
 120

could have vety easily betrayed him to Queen Elizabeth by informing her

about the combat. But he did not do so. Such are the noble qualities of the

tragic hero of this novel! Thus Scott has been triumphant in raising an ordinary

man to dizzy heights as the hero of a novel.

Dudley, the Earl of Leicester, is another important male character of

Scott. Of course he was of royal birth. He cannot hold the status of the hero of

the novel as he had some villainy in his character. Like the other royal characters

of Scott and Kalki he had some noble qualities. He was handsome. Scott
' '·
admires him as " ... th~ .proudest ornament of the Court of England's Maiden

Queen (68)". He had dark eyes and broad forehead. Further, " ... in point of

splendour and gracefulness of mien, Leicester far exceeded them [nobles] all"

(348). Even Queen Elizabeth regarded him as " ... the noblest lord, and the
truest- hearted gentleman in England!" (382) He was a true knight noted for
his bravety. He had received honours and awards. He had received 'the diamond

of George' and 'the noble Order of the Golden Fleece' and 'the Order of Saint

Andrew'. Men called him "the standard-bearer of the true Protestant faith"

(69). The readers are reminded of Count Robert of Paris and King

Makentiravam1an who defended their respective religions. He was a " ... man

of majestic mien" (66) like King Makentiravarma!:! and King Cuntara Co!an.

Due to his personal chann and manners Elizabeth liked and even cherished

secret love for him. Further Leicester had accomplished court manners.

Therefore Scott writes, " ... in person, features, ... he [Leicester] bore in the eye

of the court and Kingdom, the higher share in Elizabeth's favour... " (156). He
had the gift of the gab. When Elizabeth tried to patch up his differences with

the Earl of Sussex, Leicester said, " ... to lose your grace's presence were to

Jose light and life at once.- Here, Sussex, is my hand" (185). He was a puppet
 121

in the hands of villain Varney just as Pulikeci was one in the hands ofNakananti.
•'.

Like Caesar Nicephorus he was in love with another woman other than his

wife. The involvement of two women in the life of royal men is found in the

life of King Cuntara Co!an and Pri~ce Naracimma2. The difference between
the Tamil rulers and the English Earl was that the former had to sacrifice their

'romance' for the sake of their Kingdoms whereas the latter was ready to

sacrifice his romance to become the King of England. The Tamil rulers were

selfless. The English Earl was selfish. Caesar Nicephorus w.anted to possess

the beatuy of Brenhilda. Leicester wanted to possess the b~a~1ty of Queen

.~

Elizabeth and also the power to rule over England. Like other noble men and
women characters of Scott and Kalki Leicester regarded 'honour' as his life

blood. Villain Varney suggested that Amy should call her his wife. Leicester
burst out, 'How sinah! my Countess term herself thy wife!- that may neither

stand with my honour nor with hers" (251). His concern for honour can be

well understood. He behaved like Count Robert when his wife's honour was

touched upon. But the same Leicester asked Amy to accept Varney as her

husband for some time to make himself appear before Queen Elizabeth as an
r innocent man. This selfishness is not found in the other royal characters of

Scott and Kalki. For this Leicester had a humiliating fall at the end. He was
put to shame and vexation as Elizabeth teased him for suppressing the truth

about his secret marriage with Amy. Though Elizabeth restored him to his

original status, he swallowed "a draught of poison" (465) and died. Other

royal people like Count Robert, Naracimma!!> Atitta Karikalag and AruJmoli
did not face humiliation. Thus Leicester stands high as well as low in the

opinion of the readers. In majesty he resembles the other royal men characters
of Scott and Kalki. In meanness of mind he stands apart.
 122

In the character Richard Varney Scott has created one of the most

dangerous villains in English literature. He was an arch villain who had much

of the qualities of Shakespeare's !ago, Milton's Satan and Kalki's Nakananti.

Vamey and Nakananti were monsters in human form. They were devilish in

their designs. Varney was interested in the welfare of his master. Nakananti

worked for the well being ofhis younger brother Pulikeci. Vamey was piepared

to give up his life for his master. Nakananti gave up his right to the kingship of

the Chalukya Kingdom so that Pulikeci could occupy the throne. Both the

villains were as poisonous as snakes. Nakananti had actually slowly poisoned

his blood with snake's venom. So, in his mind and body there was poison.

There are minor villains in Kenilworth. They are Michael Lamboume, Anthony
Foster and Dr. Alasco. In villainy none of these villains can stand a match to

Varney. Varney was full of 'ambition', 'wickedness', 'cunning', 'sadism' and

all other bad qualities. He was not of royal birth like Nakananti. He had risen

from the situation of a page to that of the right hand of the Earl of Leicester.

He was a confidant of the Earl. His ambition was that his master Leicester

should become the King of England. Thereby he would also come up in life.

Hence, he, through several wicked means, tried to suppress the secret marriage

of Amy and Leicester from Elizabeth's knowledge. On his advice only Leicester

kept his wife Amy in Cumnor-Place in seclusion. Queen Elizabeth was

conducting an enquiry about Amy's case. There was danger of Leicester being

exposed to the Queen as Amy's husband. Suddenly Varney intervened and

uttered a lie that Amy was his wife. He acted with presence of mind. To maintain

that lie he compelled his master to coerce Amy to acknowledge him as her
husband. He even seduced Leicester's mind by misinforming him that his

wife was Tressilian 's paramour. He obtained false certificate from Dr. Alasco
 123

and Dr. Masters to declrare Amy mad. He hatched a plot to do away with Amy

so that Leicester could marry Queen Elizabeth and become the King of England.

He was so wicked he could go to any extent. Once he tried to poison Amy so

that she would fall sick. It was he who hired people to poison and kill the Earl

of Sussex as be was his master's rival. He ruled over Leicester, so to say. He

killed heroine Amy in a gruesome manner by setting a trap for her and catching

her in it as animals are caught. Amy fell into a deep pit. It was enough to kill

her. But Vamey wished to throw a stone down on her head and kill her

completely. Such was his villainy! N~kananti too was similar in villainy.

Nakananti was prepared to kill heroine Civakami. The difference between

Varney and Nakananti in this was the former hated heroine Amy while the

latter was in love with heroine Civakami. Nobody else should possess

Civakami. So Nakananti tried to kill Civakami.

The major difference between Varney and Nakananti was that the latter

was a lover of arts. He was actually in love with Civakami's dance and not her

beauty. Vamey was not a lover of arts. Nakananti was a villain in the garb of a

Buddhist monk. Varney was outwardly trim and handsome. Inwardly he was

full of villainy. Though he did not like Amy he made all pretences of due

respect to her as Countess by kneeling before her and saluting her. Varney had

raised an ordinary woman like Amy to the level of a Countess by arranging

her marriage with the Earl of Leicester. As Amy scorned him he planned, "I

may yet. reap the sweetest and best revenge for her former scorn ... " (53).

According to Amy Varney was " ... a mean gentleman" (59). Janet warned that

she "would rather cross a hungry wolfthan thwart Richard Varney in his projects

- ... " (59) Varney was so dangerous. Amy knew " ... he [Varney] has one of

those faces, which men tremble when they look on -" (59). Varney was
 124

" ... discreet and cautious ... keen-witted, and imaginative; so that even the

Countess, ... enjoyed his powers of conversation, ... " (73). Vamey even g~ntly

pulled up Leicester. Whenever Leicester whiled away his time, he reprimanded

him and said, "What insignificance-you have embraced- ... " (75) and reminded

him about his goal in life, that is Kingship of England, Even a villain like

Anthony Foster called him a Satan and danmed pander (80). Innkeeper Giles

Gosling was of the opinion " ... men fear to mention his [Vamey's] name, ... "

(92) Hero Tressilian opined, "Misunderstanding and mischief followed his

[Vamey's] presence, ... " (96) Mumblazen, an old man described him best,

"He [Va~-ney] is more false than a siren, more rapacious than a griffin, more

poisonous than a wyvem, and more cruel than a lion rampant" (141). Varney

was encouraging his master all the time. Leicester felt jealous about Sussex

and Raleigh who were advancing in the Queen's favour. Varney encouraged
Leicester saying, "Let not your heart fail you, my lord, all shall be well" ( 178).

Accordingly Leicester treated Vamey as his " ... friend and follower... " (182).

Vamey was as bold-faced and ready-witted as he was cunning and unscrupulous

(187). Therefore he uttered a big lie that Amy was his wife. He had the gift of

the gab. Therefore even Queen Elizabeth smiled and blushed when Varney

pointed out to Elizabeth the power oflove " ... which she inflicts upon all others"

( 187) though she herself remained a spinster. Even the Earl said, "Thu art a
devil, Varney... but thou hast the mastery for the present- I follow thee" (202).

Varney was ready-witted and came to his master's rescue very often. He proved

himself a faithful servant by not betraying to Queen Elizabeth his secret

marriage with Amy. He put the idea of kingship now and then in his mind.
Like a logician he was able to brainwash Leicester. Leicester expressed Amy's

desire to be acknowledged his Countess. Varney commented, "Her religious

 125

scruples are solved- she is an honoured and beloved wife- ... what should she
[Amy]more?" (218) Immediately Leicester was influenced and said, "There

is something in what thou sayst'' (218). Even a bad character like Dr. Alasco

condemned Vamey as a "hardened villain (224 )".He had" ... sardonic expression

of ridicule on his countenance ... " (225). Varney was cunning. Therefore he
lold Dr. Alas~o to prepare a drug which would make a bird sick. The bird was

actually Amy. But Varney did not say that to Dr. Alasco. So Dr. Alasco

commented that he was " ... a worse devil than I have been myself..." (228).

Varney went to the extent of even scaring Leicester by telling him that if he

deceived the affections ofEiizabethTudor, he w6uid be confined in the Tower

~

(253). This was a threat to bring Leiceser back to the main stream. Amy called

Vamey, " ... the cold-blooded, calculating slave!" (265) and said, "I made the

snake [Varney] uncoil all his folds ... and crawl abroad in his naked deformity-

... " (265). Varney's eyes had a mesmerizing power. Therefore, by merely staring

at Amy, he made her drink the poisonous drug. He was " ... capable of every

crime" (272). In Scott's words "Vamey was one of the few - the very few

moral monsters, who contrive to lull to sleep the remorse of their own bosoms,

and are drugged into moral insensibility by atheism, ... " (340). This villain

had eloquence. So, even Queen Elizabeth praised him : "Varney is a smooth

tongued varlet" (34 7). He was so shrewd that he could deceive even the Queen

by providing false certificates about Amy's ill-health. He was so grateful to

Leicester that he would even sacrifice his Sir' title conferred on him by Queen

Elizabeth in case the title placed him at a distance from Leicester, his master
(364). He also poisoned Leicester's mind by telling him that the saintly and

bookish Tressilian had a paramour and that paramour was Amy. Amy called
~·
Varney a " ... contemptible slave" (381) and " ... most deliberate villain" (381).

,-.,
 126

He was Leicester's "evil genius" (384) and therefore prevented him from telling

Elizabeth the truth about his secret marriage. He was remorseless and so lied

to the Queen that Amy was mad. Leicester considered Varney his " ... true and

faithful servant" (393). He was his· confidant also. He acted as a good advicer
to Leicester. He advised Leicester that he should not rebel against Elizabeth

as it would he an act of high treason. Finally he seduced Leicester's mind and

made him believe that Amy was unfaithful to him. Therefore Leicester

exclaimed, "I will have her [Amy's] blood!" (405). Such was the villainy of

Varney. When Leicester was worried about Amv's supposed infamy, Varney
r ' ..
spoke in a practical manner. He comforted his master saying, "Be thyself, my

noble master ... Are you the first that has been cozened in love? ... let her pass

from your memory... " (411 ). Later Leicester felt guilty and called Varney" ... the
worst of villains" (438). As the Countess opined, he was " ... capable of every

villainy, from the blackest to the basest!" (454). Therefore he whistled like

Leicester. This whistle made Amy think that her husband had come.

Immediately, out of anxiety to meet her husband, she came out of her room

only to fall into the trap and be killed. Varney thus proved himself" ... the man

on earth she most feared and hated" (453). This "cruel and remorseless man"

( 457) had "ruthlessly slain" (457) Amy. He was an "incarnate fiend" (463).

Therefore he told Foster to hurl something on Amy and kill her instantly (463).
He took a "fiendish pleasure" (463) in murdering Amy. Already he had shot

dead Michael Lambourne, his own assistant, without any compunction. So,
Varney was so remorseless that he would destroy anybody who crossed his

way. Finally he consumed poison and committed suicide. This wicked man

had " ... the habitual expression of sneering sarcasm" (464) on his face even
after death. Poetic justice was meted out to this character by the novelist. Thus
 127

Scott has created Richard Varney as one of the most detestable villain characters
to be seen in English literature.

Scott as well as Kalki have pmirayed father characters from the royal
families and also from non-royal families. Emperor Comnenus and King
Cuntara c·~};m were of royal birth. Sir Hugh Robsart and Ayanar belonged to :
ordinary families. All these fathers had one thing in common. They loved .

their daughters much. Robsati, Ayanar and Cuntara CoLan were more attached
to their daughters than Emperor Comnenus to his daughter. Robs art and Ayanr
L
had other similarities. Both were widowers. They were separated from their
daughters. In the case ofRobsart his daughter was separated for ever. Ayanar
was separated from his daughter for nine years. Separation of the daughters
made both the parents sick at heart. Ayanar was somewhat fortunate. For, he
was reunited with his daughter. But Robsart's case was worse. He died without
seeing his daughter again. These two parents had another likeness. They were
unaware of the l~vers of their daughters. To the royal father Cuntara c;)Lan his
daughter was more important. He ruled over his Kingdom on the advice of his
shrewd daughter. The difference between this royal father and the other royal
father Emperor Comnenus was that the latter wanted his daughter Princess
Anna to follow his advice. Thus there are similarities and dissimilarities among

these father characters.

Wayland Smith in Kenilworth, Hereward in Count Robert of Paris,

Parancoti in Civakamiyin Capatam and Vantiyatteva_!! in Po!!:IJ:iYi!J Celva!.l are

identical characters. They were companions to the heroes and they helped the
-- heroes and their favourites in several ways. Excepting Vantiyattevag and
Hereward the other characters were of humble origin:
 128

.ri
Wayland Smith is presented as a jack of all trades. He could be an actor,

a juggler,a doctor, a smith and whatnot. He' accompanied the hero most of the

time. But for him the heroine's father Robsmi and the heroe's friend the Earl

of Sussex could not have been saved from dangerous illness. He even saved

heroine Amy from the dangerous plan of Varney. Villain Varney gave her a

drugged potion to cause illness in her. But Wayland Smith gave her an anti-

dote and saved her life. For the sake of the hero, Smith underwent many

hardships. Risking his own life he helped heroine Amy to escape from Cumnor-

'
;(_ Place and go to Kenilworth castle. He married a polite girl named Janet, Amy's

maid. Similarly Panincoti also married a quiet girl called Umaiyal. Smith was
•
Tressilian's right hand. Likewise Paraiicoti was Naracimmag's right hand.

Smith, Hereward, Parancoti and Vantiyattevag all had shrewdness and alertness.
Smith was under constant fear of arrest by the law. Parancoti was arrested by
soldiers but escaped. Vantiyatteva12 was several times imprisoned but he escaped

very cleverly. Scott describes Smith thus : "And in truth, though by no means

handsome, there was in his physiognomy the sharp, keen expression of

inventive g<;:nius and prompt intellect, which joined to quick and brilliant eyes,
a well formed mouth, and an intelligent smile, often gives grace and interest

to features which are both homely and irregular" (244). Thus hero Tressilian 's

friend Smith is also presented in a glorifying manner by Scott.

The character Count Robert in the novel Count Robert of Paris is an

-
enchanting character like Prince Naracimman, .Prince Atitta Karikalan and
-
._Prince Aru)molivarma~. AILthe_four_were ofroyaL birth and noted for their
valour. They were all adventurous. In their haughty temperament Count Robert

and Atitta Karikalag were alike. Count Robert is of course the hero of the

novel. He was one of the Crusaders and captains from the West. He had his
 129

own army of five hundred men. _Though he had a small army he had great

confidence like the Greek adventurer Alexander the Great. The Count had a

" ... fiery and inquisitive temper" (474). His audacity is revealed when he refused

to pay homage to Emperor Alexius in his own land unlike some of the fellow

Crusaders. The Count very boldly even occupied his throne. This act is similar
-~
to Prince ;ytta11.'s attitude who spoke slightingly of great warriors like Periya

Pa!uvegaraiyar and chieftains like Campuvaraiyar. Scott presents the Count

as a "handsome" and "herculean figure" with "thick black curls" (153). He

1 was "accounted one of the bravest peers" (160). "He was of the biood of

Charlmagne, and, ... one of the most renowned ofNom1an knights ... " (165).
When other suitors of Brenhilda were defeated by her in the lists, the Count

defeated her and mortified her vanity. The Count himself gave a self apprisal

: " ... For know, all who hear me, thus much of the nature of the Franks, that

when you tell us of danger and difficultiers you give us the same desire to

travel the road where they lie, ... " (198). Such was his bold nature. He had an

obstinate heart and relied much on his "trusty Tranchefer" (198), a sword. He

was proud of being a Christian and a worshipper of The Lady of the Broken

Lances. He told the Princess Anna once, " .. .1 am a Christian man, spitting at

and bidding defiance to Apollo, Bacchus, Comus, and all other heathen deities

whatsoever" (202). When he was challenged by Hereward for a duel he thought,

"I shall derogate from my rank by accepting it" (209). Anyway be agreed to

oblige him. This shows his pride. His pride is revealed in another passage :
"Kill him [Negro Diogenes] then, thyself[Hereward]," retorted Count Robert,

"he is nearer thy degree; and assuredly I [Count] will not defile the name of

Charlmagne with the blood of a black slave [Diogenes]" (274). Though he

was a great hero, he had his weakness too. He felt flattered when Princess
 130

Anna loaded him with praises. The old philosopher Agelastes' adroit

sycophancy also influenced him. So he assented to the empress' proposal of

having supper and rest at the royal palace. Had he not consented to this he

would not have been imprisoned In the dungeon by Nicephorus and Agelastes.

Atitta Karikalarr's weakness was his love for Nanti_!!i. This made him visit her

at Katampur palace contrary to Kuntavai's advice. Therefore Karikala12 was

assassinated. The Count was very tall making others look dwarfish. There

was always a " ... noble contempt of whatever could have astounded or shaken

an ordinary mind, ... " (221). He is pictured as braver than the lion when he

struck with his clenched fist the machine - lion mistaking it to be a real lion.

He proved his mettle by killing a tiger with a wooden stool. Like a true husband
he was very much concemed for his wife when he realised that there was

danger for his beloved Brenhilda in her hed room. He had great confidence in
her fidelity. When Ursel pointed out that the Countess would be misused by

the Greeks he told him that he would defend her. Otherwise he would sacrifice

her life than incur any blot on her character (237). He proved himself a

representative of the values of ancient manhood. Like AruJmolivarma!! he

had concern for the suffering people - particularly the animals. That was why

he dressed the wound of Sylvan, an ape, and gave him protection (251-52).

Another incident proves his proud nature. The Count was like "the ornamented

gem" (269). Scott writes, " ... Count Robert of Paris, whose reckless spirit of

chivalry made him the darling of the army [of Crusaders]" (349). Even Godfrey,
the leader of the Crusaders, admired him and sent a small army of fifty of the

lances of France to secure the " ... fair and honourable conduct" (348) of the

combat between the Count and the Caesar. Very generously the Count admired
Hereward's bravery. The Count called Hereward "brave man" (466). Hereward,
 13 I

the Anglo-Saxon, wanted to do away with the Count as he belonged to the

race of Nom1ans who had driven out his ancestors from England. Still, the

very same Hereward admired the Count in the following words : "You are too

great, my lord, and too noble" (466). Like Makentira Pallavag he was inflicted

by a poisoned weapon. But, unlike Makentiran_, Count Roberi recovered. He

proved his gratitude to Hereward by celebrating his marriage with Beriha in

princely style. On the whole, he was " ... respected alike for his wisdom and his

sagacity" (482) and he was "a successful Crusader" (482). Thus Scott has

{_
given a true and glorified account of the Knight errant of the eleventh century.

The Count is presented with all royal characteristics like chivalry, mercy, valour,
haughtiness, audacity, self conceit, honour, fidelity and benevolence. Most of

these characteristics are found in Karikiilag and Aru!moli.

Hereward, the second hero-so to say, is presented in a grand manner in

Count Robert of Paris. He resembles Kalki's characters Parancoti in

Civakamiyi!J Capatam and Vantiyatteva!! in PorpJJYit!:. Celva~lc. He was an Anglo-

Saxori of England who had settled in Constantinople and worked under the

Fellow Achilles Tatius, the leader of the Varangian Guard. He had "piercing

blue eyes" (11 ), "intelligence" (11 ), "a noble countenance" ( 11) and a "broad

chest" (12). He was "the young Hercules" (12) whose weapon was a battle-

axe. His officer Achilles Tatius praised him thus: " ... thou hart so good a heart
and so trusty as is scarce to be met with among my Varangians themselves ... "

(30). Further he called Hereward, " ... thou stoutest of confidants and bravest

of soldiers" (31), "my excellent Hereward" (36), "my faithful soldier" (38),

"my active soldier" (41), "the flower of my Anglo-Danes" (59), "He is ... unfit

of eloquence, he is so brave, so trusty, so devotedly attached, and ... zealous"

. (59). According to Achilles Tatius the " ... dust of war is the breath of his
 132

(Hereward 's] nostrils; and he (Hereward] will prove his worth in combat against

any four others [of the] Imperial Highness's (Emperor Alexius's] bravest

servants" (60). The Empress called him "Our trusty Varangian" (321 ). The

Emperor praised him thus, " ... thou art the refuge of the distressed, whether it

be man or beast" (469). Like Para:i1coti he had no love for money. That was

why he refused to accept the five hundred pieces of gold offered by the Emperor

to him in appreciation of his bravery in the battle against the Muslims at

Laodicea. Conspirator Agelastes tried to win him over to his side so that he

.i would be later useful in carrying out the conspiracy against Emperor Alexius .

But Hereward remained loyal to the Imperial family till the end. Hereward

would not think of dishonour. When his leader ridiculed him for his "overbold

license" (109) in gazing upon Princess Anna Comnena, Hereward retorted

that he was ready to place himself in lists against any one whomsoever who

dared detract from the beauty of the imperial Anna Comnena's person or from

the virtues of her mind. When Achilles sent indirect feelers to Hereward to

assist him in his move against Emperor Alexius, Hereward minced no matters

and plainly said, "I am ready, as in my duty, to serve you in anything consistent
; with God and the Emperor's claim upon my service ... " (113). His motto in life

was " ... to perform his duty to the world he [Hereward]lives in, and to the

prince in whose service he is engaged" (133). When the philosopher tried to

win him over to his side Hereward said, " ... flattery and loud words are alike

lost upon me" (135). He was really bold when he declared to Anna Comnena

in the presence of the Count, "The Normans are our mortal enemies, Lady, .

... by whom we have driven from our native land. The Franks [the Count and

his men] are subjects of the same Lord-Paramount with the Normans, and

therefore they neither love the Varangians, nor are beloved by them" (207).
 133

He was bold enough to challenge the Count to a duel as he had offended

Emperor Alexius by occupying his throne. It was his duty to defend the

Emperor as his trusted soldier (208). The Count appreciated him for his "high

and noble" (209) thoughts.

Hereward was chivalrous. Once he heard the shriek of a female and

rushed to her assistance. Later he made up his mind to free the Countess from

N icephorus Briennius and reunite her with the Count. Scott fmiher described
him thus:" ... The virtues of the Varangian [Hereward] were all of that natural

and unrefined kind which Nature herself dictates to a gallant man to whom a

total want of fear, and the most alacrity to meet danger, had been attributes of

a lifelong standing" (268). Scott compares Hereward to diamond (269). He

was the "new Achilles" (270). The Count was shocked to overhear the Caesar's

inclination towards his wife and wanted to kill him immediately. But Hereward

advised him to keep calm as at least a thousand men of Nicephorus would

attack them. This proves the 'shrewdness' and 'alertness' ofHereward. Actually

this second hero came to the rescue and guidance of the hero, like Parancoti in
Civakamiyi!J:. Capatam. Hereward planned things wisely and sent his own lover

Bertha to bring a small army from the camps of the Crusaders to sa've the
I

Count and the Countess. It was he who helped the hero to escape from the

dungeons ofthe Blacquemal and hid the hero in his apartment in the barracks

as if he was his own sentinel. He was even prepared to hold the lists for the

Countess against Nicephorus. He had great respect for the Count though he
belonged to the race of the Normans who had exiled him and his race of

Anglo-Saxons from England. Therefore he always called the Count "Sir

Knight" (291). Even the hero had a high opinion ofHereward. This is similar

to Prince Naracimma!!'s opinion of Parancoti and Aru!moji's view about

 134

Vantiyattevm~. The Count thought of Hereward thus : " ... The Yarangian's

[Hereward's] look is open, his coolness in danger is striking, his speech is

more frank and ready than even was that of a traitor... truth, sincerity, and

courage are written upon his forehei!d (293)". Even conspirator Achilles called
him "Thou mi our good friend and highly-esteemed soldier ... " (294) and "mine
honest Anglo-Saxon" (339). Hereward was so benevolent that he had to

hoodwink his own leader Achilles to save the Count. Though he had given

asylum to the Count, Hereward lied to his leader that the Count had escaped

from the dungeon. He was very clever. Vantiyattevag was also very clever in
telling many lies to escape from dangerous situations.

Hereward was actually a mercenary soldier employed by Emperor

Alex ius. When the Emperor was willing to make him the Acolyte instead of

the traitor Achilles Tatius, he did not accept it. He only wanted to go back to

his native land and spend his life "under the banner of King 'William of

Scotland-" (324). This is similar to Parancoti's desire to giYe up everything

and lead a saintly life. After knowing Hereward's wish the Emperor cried,

"Where shall I get a soldier, a champion, a friend so faithful?" (324) Hereward

\
'
had no self interest. At the end of the novel we find Hereward throwing himself
into the arena for a combat with the hero to save the honour of the Grecian

empire and its Emperor. He was bold and had indomitable courage. The
Emperor was very grateful to him for having saved his life from the conspirators

and also for saving his honour. The Emperor valued him so much that he even

hosted supper to Hereward and his beloved Bertha aUhe royal..courLThus

Scott has raised the second hero Hereward to the status of a hero. He has
;--- presented this character with all noble qualities of a hero belonging to the

·, .
 135

eleventh century. The second heroes Para'ncoti and Vantiyattevan. are also

treated like this by Kalki.

There are three villains in this novel. They are : The Caesar Nicephorus

Briennius, the son-in-law of Emperor Alexius Comnenus, the old hypocritical

philosopher Michael Agelastes and Achilles Tatius, the leader of the Varangian
Guard of the Emperor. They are not presented powerfully like Scott's villain

character Richard Varney or Kalki's villain character Nakananti. These three

villains aspired for power. They conspired against the Emperor. Nicephorus
c·'
I aimed at the throne. He joined hands wjth Agelastes to overthrow the Emperor.

It was a shame that he loved Brenhilda, a married woman. He wanted to do

away with the Count. So, he imprisoned him in the dungeon of the Blacquemal
palace. Thus he was unfaithful and treacherous both to his kind father-in-law

) the Emperor and also to his lovely and learned wife Princess Anna Comnena.
The Emperor imprisoned him and even passed orders to kill him. But later,

because of the intervention of the Empress and the Princess, he was freed and

restored to his post of Caesar. Thus he went unpunished. The other villain
Agelastes was an old philosopher. He was the principal conspirator (459).

Actually he was an impostor. He entertained thoughts of doing away with

Nicephorus and Achilles after the conspiracy was fulfilled. He had a sweet

tongue like Varney. Ther.efore he was able to charm the Count by narrating the

story of the imprisoned Princess at the island of Zulichium. Thereby he helped

Nicephorus to imprison the Count in the dungeon. Before the conspiracy could
be carried out he was killed by Sylvan, the ape. Justice was done in his case.

He was a hypocritical psycophant of Emperor Alexius. When Agelastes

informed the Emperor that he would subdue the Count and the Countess by
" ... the power of falsehood" (219) the Emperor remarked, "I believe thee an

.•
 136

adept in it (219). The Emperor regarded him as "the bosom serpent" (220). He
...
was an arch-villain like Varney. So he pretended to be a close associate of
Achilles Tatiu.s, another conspirator. But he regarded the latter as a "fool"
(203) and would do away with him after the conspiracy was fulfilled. He was
very deceptive. He was half procurer and whole knave. Varney looked
handsome but was ugly inside. Nakananti.was outwardly a monk but inwardly

venomous. Nanti_!li was noted for her external beauty. Internally she was
poisonous. Agelastes, with the mask of apparent good-humour concealed his
( pande1ing to the vices of others. As Lady Brenhilda described he was a "wicked
' ....
old man" (278-J-and an "arch-deceiver" (278). The Count called him a
"pretended philosopher" (278). Agelastes pretended to have supernatural
knowledge. He was a "vile conspirator" (360) and "traitor" (360) in the words
of the Emperor. In Scott's words he was" ... the ambitious politician, the selfish
time-server, the dark and subtle conspirator... the wily sophist. .. [who] hoped ...
to arise to royalty itself' (368). The Countess declared him a " ... man of few

honourable thoughts" (369). Villain Agelastes who had " ... insinuated himself
into the favour of the Emperor by affectation of deep knowledge and severe

virtue, had fonned a treacherous plan for the murder of the state" ( 458). He
wanted to achieve this by spreading to the people forged rumours concerning
Ursel's (a former competitor to Emperorship) death. It was clever of him. The

creation of this villain is not a very powerful one like Kalki 's Nakananti or
Scott's Richard Varney. The villain characters of Scott and Kalki had some
ambitions. Agelastes 's ambition was to become the Emperor. Varney's ambition
was to become a powerful man in England. Nakananti wanted to live with
Civakami. Achilles Tatius, the Commander of the Varangian Imperial Guard,
too had the ambition to become the Emperor of Constantinople. In the beginning
 137

he was loyal to the Emperor. He helped him in defeating the infidels under the

leadership of.Jezdegerd. Later he turned out to be a villain, because of his

ambition. He joined hands with Nicephorus and Agelastes to overthrow the

Emperor. Very secretly he cherished a desire to ovetihrow Nicephorus and

become Emperor himself. Kalki's villain characters were not for power whereas

all the villain characters in Count Robert ofParis aimed for power. Nicephorus,

apart from his desire for power, wanted to possess the beauty of Brenhilda

like Nakananti who wanted to possess the beauty of Civakami. Agelastes too

had a similar ambition. The villain characters Ravitacan and Nanti!!i were not

selfish like these three villains. They tried to enthrone the son of the late Pa~!iya

King. To achieve this end they hatched a conspiracy to assassinate the Cola
~ -
King and his two sons. The three villains in Count Robert ofParis also indulged

in a similar conspiracy to assassinate the Byzantine Emperor. Unlike the other

villains Nakananti at least had a taste for fine arts. It is interesting to note that

the villain characters Nakananti and Nicephours belonged to the royal family.

The other villains Varney, Achilles, Agelastes and Ravit'acan were not

aristocrats. Villainess Nantini was born to a king and an ordinaty woman.

The royal character Emperor Alexius of Greece resembles Pallava King

Makentiravarma!! in some aspects. Both can be cited as examples of

Shakespeare's saying that uneasy lies the head that wears the Crown. In Scott's

words Emperor Alexius can be "regarded as an honest and humane prince.

Certainly he showed himself a good-natured man, and dealt less in cutting off

heads and extinguishing eyes than had been the practice of his predecessors,
who generally took this method of shortening the ambitious views of

competitors" (8). Alexius and Makentira!! were great warriors. Alexius had
defeated the Arabs andtheirleaders Jezdegerd and Varanes, Jezdegerd's brother.
 ---------------------- -

138

Makentira!_! also pmiicipated in the battle against Nliakeci (N;kananti) who

was in the guise ofPulikeci. Unfortunately he was wounded by his poisoned

knife. Alexius took a deep interest in all matters respecting the church. In this

respect he resembles MaKentira ~allava11_ who advocated Saivism. Alexius

considered it his duty to defend religion and protect the empire against the
barbarians who were encroaching on its boundaries on every side. Likewise

Emperor Makentiran had to defend his empire against the invasion ofPulikeci,

the Chalukya King, and Turvin"ita_Q. In certain ways Alexius was different

from Makentiran. As Scott remarks Alexius was " ... a mixture of sense and
( ,- -,

weakn.ess, of meanness and dignity, of prudent discretion and poverty of

spirit ... " (9). Like Makentirag who accepted the friendship ofhis enemy Pulikeci

to avoid war, Alexius also wanted to befriend the Count and the Countess to

win the esteem of the Crusaders. Moreover Alexius offered many riches (gold

and ornaments) to most of the Crusaders to keep them in good humour so that

they would not fight with him. Like Makentirag Alexius had the cleverness,

prudence and sagacity to make moves at the appropriate time. Ursel, whom

Alexius had imprisoned in the dungeon to avoid competition for Emperorship,

was suddenly released by the Emperor. The Emperor's conspirators had

intended to use him as a trump card and invoke the sympathy of the public and

revolt against the Emperor. This was foiled by the Emperor. He was a good

judge of everybody's character. He knew about "the ungrateful Caesar" (220),

"the boastful coward Achilles Tatius" (220) and the "bosom serpent Agelastes"

(220). Like Makentirag he knew when to fight with the enemy and when to
withdraw. Emperor Alexius saw Prince Tancred, a Crusader, returning to

Constantinople with a small army. He ordered his Admiral to check Tancred.

~- But, when his navy was defeated, the Emperor resolved secretly " ... to disown
 139

the unfortunate Admiral and make peace with the Latins" (432). He seemed to

be very tough. So he imprisoned his own son-in-law for his conspiracy against

him. But, later, uxorious compassion and paternal tenderness made him pardon

him and once again make him the Caesar. He also generously forgave .-\chilies

Tatius. But, Makentira!! wanted to punish Pulikeci, his enemy, "·ho had

destroyed some parts of his country and killed his country men. Both the

emperors loved their people and cared for the lives of their soldiery.

Scott has been successful in creating memorable royal characters like

Alexius Comnenus, Count Robert of Paris and Queen Elizabeth. In the same
(
way Kalki has created regal rulers such as Pallava King Makentiravarma12;, his

successor Naracimmavarman, Cola Princes Atitta Karikalan and

- - -
AruJmolivarmal!: Alexius and Makentira.!! had many similar characteristics.

Both were warriors. They were diplomatic, shrewd and kind to their people.

Both were under the constant threat of enemies. Alexius had enemies among

people who were very close to him. Makentirag_'s enemy Pulikeci was of a

different dynasty. Though Makentira!! is not the hero of the novel, he is raised

to the level of a hero. He was not only a good warrior but also a good

administrator. Like Queen Elizabeth he was a scholar. Elizabeth could write

verse. Makentira!! had written a comedy entitled Mattavilacam. He also

patronized dance and sculpture. Kall<i presents him as a typical Tamil King.

Even today the world appreciates and admires the shore temples of the Pallavas

at Mahabalipuram. Alexius and Makentira!! were very shrewd. With the help

of spies Alexius discovered the conspiracy against him. So he saved himself

and his power. Likewise Makentira!! employed spies to trap and arrest the

cunning Chalukya spy Nakananti. Thus he was able to save his Capital city

K;inci from Pulikeci. Both the rulers were alert and planned everything well.

>. . . - -
·---~~~'-:;.~ ...--_;.<>CJI. ~
 140

Alexius, to avoid competition for Emperorship, had imprisoned Ursel. When

...
the conspirators tried to make use of Ursel against him he released him to

convince the people of his magnanimity. Thus he showed his cleverness.

Makentiran too was clever. In order to know the plans ofPulikeci, he met him

in the disguise of a horse soldier. He acted wisely like Alexius. So Makentira!:!_

was even prepared to entertain him as his guest to avoid blood shed. Alexius

loved his only daughter. Similarly Makentira!! loved his only son. Alexius

defended Christianity. Likewise Makentirag defended Saivism. At the same

time he had religions tolerance. So he was called Kul}aparar (a person with

(
good character). He decided to construct five temples for the five famous
religions such as Hinduism, Vaishnavism, Buddhism, Jainism and Christianity.

He is praised as an all round genius and a great intellectual. Kalki has presented

him in a glorious manner. He describes him thus: "Makentira!:!_ has a gigantic

appearance. In his majestic face shone the hereditary royal bold glow descended

from many hundreds and hundreds of years in addition to the brightness caused

by the best educational research and art practice ... " (88; vol.l). His broad

chest was the abode of the goddess of bravery. He was a polyglot who knew

Tamil, Sanskrit and Prakrit (88; vol.l). He patronized pundits, poets and

sculptors. Painters, sculptors, dramatists and musicians admired his taste in

fine arts and awarded him many titles. He was an expert player of the musical

instrument Parivatini. He was a military genius. Even his enemy Chalukya

King Pulike'ci admired him and said, "Pallaventira! Kautilyar who wrote

Arthasastra should beg before you" (41; vol.3, ch.16). With a small army he
was able to defeat Pulikeci who had a bigger army. He met with a soldier's

death. In the battle with Nilakeci he was wounded with a poisoned knife hurled
by Nllakeci. This proved fatal.

-, .
 141

Just as Scott has presented royal characters like Count Robert of Paris of

the eleventh century in a grand manner, Kalki has succeeded in presenting the

royal characters of the Tamil Country of the seventh century Pallavas and the

tenth century Co!as in a lofty manner. The Pallava King Makentiravarmag

walks like a Colossus in the novel CivakamiyiJJ Capatam because of his

magnificent qualities. He was known for his careful 'forethought'. When

Pulikeci laid siege to his Kanci fort, Makentirag had stored food inside the

castle which could last for fifteen months. When that food was fast depleting,

he was 'wise' enough to suggest the forgoing of supper every day (34; vol.3,

ch. 7). Makentira~'s 'love' and 'sympathy' for his subjects made him accept

the offer of truce by Pulikeci. The following passage illustrates this: " .. .I do
not like to conduct the battle even a second beyond necessity. I do not want

even a single life unnecessarily wasted. We are all comfortable inside this
fort. But, outside the fort, Pallava subjects living in villages and towns should

not be involved in untold difficulties ... " (31; vol.3, ch.IO). He came to know

that the best dancer Civakami in his Kingdom was taken as a captive by the
Chalukyas. Immediately he prepared himself for a battle to set her free. He

also wanted to save his citizens from the atrocities of the Chalukya soldiers

(32; vol.3 ch.29 ). He fought bravely at the battle ofMavimankalam. Actually

the Tamil King was a pacifist. He wished for the welfare of the entire people

oflndia. He told his wife Puvagamakatevi, " ... Ifthese three persons [Harsha

Vardhana, Pulikeci and Makentira Pallava~] are bound by friendship, this

Bharatha land [India] will be a Paradise. No poverty, starvation or drought
will show its head in this nation. Education and arts will flourish. All people

will live well" (34; vol.3, ch.ll).

>.
 142

Makentiravarman was 'hospitable' also. He entertained his enemy

Pulikeci for seven days as his guest at Kiiiici fort. He took him to temples,
educational institutions, art halls full of sculptures, halls full of paintings,
Buddha Vihars and Jain temples in· Kanci. He was a great lover of mis. So
heroine CivaKami commented, "He is a person whose heart melts for arts"
(32; vo1.3, ch.l4). At the same time Civakami said that he was a great emperor
with a diamond strong heart (33; vol.3, ch.l4). His 'cleverness' in handling
situations is admirable. He detained Nakananti in Kanci prison and refused to
send him with Pulikeci. After Pulik"eci's departure from Kanci fort Makentirall.
released Nakananti. This was a wise move. For, Nikananti, in the disguise of
Pulikeci, prevented the Chalukya soldiers from destroying Mahabalipuram as
qrdered by Pulikeci. Nakananti was a lover of arts. Makentira!l knew human
psychology also. Even villain Nakananti appreciated Makentitag thus :
" ... Makentira Pallava_!! is more skilful than I expected" (31; vol.3, ch.39).
Though he was a great king he did not hesitate to apologize to his people for
his drawbacks. In his last days he regretted that he considered himself a genius
in the past. For, though he entertained Pulike"ci as his guest with the hope of
befriending him, later he killed Pallava citizens en mass. This treacherous act

gave a severe blow to Makentirag. His concern for dynastic reputation was
great. Therefore he told his wife Puvagamakatevi, "If Civakami is not brought
back [from Vatapi], it would be a shame to Pallava dynasty. Pulikeci will

boast that he has returned to Vatapi after defeating Ka'ii'ci Pallava!l···" (n.p.n.;
vo1.3, ch.45). He had noble intentions. So he told his wife, "I opined to make
this world into a Paradise. I scolded my ancestors in my mind. I felt sorry that
they spent their time in unnecessary fights, quarrels and blood baths ... " (n.p.n.;
L-
vo1.3, ch.45). Before dying, Makentirag did not hesitate to apologize to his
 143

son, ministers, captains, zonal officers and people for having caused them

hardship. This shows the greatness of the King who had ruled over the country

for twenty five years. His people had devotion and faith for him. He told his

people, "I earnestly ask you to pardon me for all my faults and the difficulties

caused to you because of me" (31; vol.3, ch.56). On hearing this some people

started crying. This shows the love that the people had for their ruler.

Makentirag's final wish was: "Pallava army must conquer the Chalukyas, kill

Pulikeci, destroy and burn Vatapi city. Only then the blemish caused to Pallava

dynasty and to the bravery ofTamilakam will be redressed" (33; vol.3, ch.56).
r '· -

All people agreed to this. "fhis shows their love and respect for their King.

Makentirag was patriotic. His Kingdom was more important to him. Therefore

he advised his son not to marry a mere dancer Civakami but to marry a royal

princess. His eyes and ears were always open. Parancoti commented about
him, " ... we can fathom the ocean ... but we cannot fathom the prudence of

Makentiran" ( 477; vo1.2). The Queen, his wife, felt that they could never find

in all the fourteen worlds people having sharp intelligence and forethought

like Makentiravarma!!. On the whole, Pallava King Makentiravarma!! is

portrayed as a legendary hero.

Prince Naracimrna!!_, the son of King Makentirag, is also a superb creation

of Kalki. He is the hero of the novel Civakamiyi!J;. Capatam. Like the royal

characters of Scott he had many noble qualities. He was handsome, brave and

romantic like Leicester. He was also dutiful and patriotic. He was the

affectionate son of King Makentiravarma!!_. He had won over all the famous
wrestlers in Pallava Kingdom and so had earned the title "Great Wrestler"

..L.. ( 42; vol.l ). He was a brave warrior like Leicester, Sussex, Count Robert and
his own father Makentiran. He had defeated several warriors and won several

..
 144

titles like Leicester. He proved his mettle at the battle ofPuJlalur by defeating
King Turvinita12. His young blood boiled to know that King Pulikeci 's army
had initially defeated some of the Pallava army units. He immediately wanted
to head the Pallava am1y himself and defeat the Chalukyas. It was a shame not
to go to the battlefield. This shows his undaunted attitude which resembles
Count Robert's behaviour at times of danger. At the same time he gave due
respect to other brave warriors. That was why he befriended General Parancoti.
This is similar to the Count's appreciation ofHereward 's bravery. Naracimman.
was also a military genius like Alexius and Makentiran. Hence he was able to
,·,
defeat the anny of Turvinita!!_, King of Ganga nation. Actually Turvi,-iitan's
army was three times bigger than Naracimman.'s army. Naracimmag's

brandishing ofthe sword with the speed oflightning at Puj1aliir battle is really
admirable.

The undaunted fighting spirit ofNaracimmag is revealed when he sought

his father's pennission to fight with Pulikeci : "Give me command at least
now. Seven months of hiding in [K"anci] castle is enough ... At least now order
me to destroy Vatapi am1y!" (32; vol.3, ch.7). Then he started to weep and
caught hold of his father's feet. The readers are awestruck by his respect for
his father. Naracimmag also had great respect for all elders. He told his General
Parancoti's mother, "I was very much eager to see the fortunate mother who

had given birth to our brave General [Parartcoti]. That fortune I got today"
(31; vol.3, ch.28). His love for Civakami was very deep. Like Leicester and
the Co!a King Cuntara Co!all he fell in love with an ordinary woman. Civakami
was a dancer and the daughter of a sculptor. Her thought occupied his mind all
the time. Even in his sleep he dreamt about her (33; vol.3, ch.33). His love for
her was enough reason to promise her that he would fulfil her vow of destroying

..
 145

V~tapi (31; vol.3, ch.54). This intense Jove he was prepared to sacrifice for the
sake of his country and father. His father advised him, "Listen, Mamalla
[Naracimmag] !. .. People born in royal dynasty should forget their comfm1s
and griefs. They should device their self deeds taking note of the welfare of
the Kingdom" (32; vol.3, ch.57). So he advised his son to marry the Pantiya ..
Princess instead of Civakami, Hence, for the sake of his father and mother
country, he sacrificed his love for Civakami. The readers are reminded of
Princess Anna's obedience to her father Emperor Alexius. Though unwilling,
Princess Anna consented to disown her husband and marry Ursel as it was her
_.,- '·
father's wish. In the final volume of the novel King Naracim:-navam1a!! is
presented as a mature man. He still had boldness and firmness of mind. He

was wise like his father. Therefore he prevented Manavanman, Prince of

- -
Ceylon, from accompanying him to v;tipi. In case Mauavanm<w died in v;tapi
battle, his Kingdom of Ceylon would go to the ruler who had cruelly and

unjustly usurped Ceylon from him. Naracimmag had to establish the prestige
of the Pallava dynasty. His love for his father and duty consciousness is
revealed. Also he had to fulfil his lady love Civakami 's vow. Thus Kalki

presents the royal character Naracimmanvarmag with all noble qualities as

Scott has done with his royal persons.

Paran'coti is yet another interesting character. His character is similar to

Wayland Smith in Kenilworth, Hereward in Count Robert of Paris imd
Varitiyattevag in Po!pJ.iYi!!: Celva!!_. All these characters helped the heroes to a
great extent. They were responsible for the development of the action of the
novel also. All these were of a wandering nature too. Excepting Vantiyattevag
all were ordinary men in the beginning. Parancoti was an uneducated young
man. Later, because of the patronage of Makentira~ he rose to become the

.. ..,
 146

General ofthe Pallava Army. Paniilcoti is given second hero status. He' defeated

the army ofPulibi;ci and Turvinltan. Like other second heroes, he was also an

adventurer. He overcame sevei'al difficulties on his way from home to the

Pallava capital Kanci and during his mission of canying Nakananti 's letter t?

Pulikeci. He saved the heroine from a chasing elephant risking his own life.

He threw his javelin at the elephant in order to divert its attention from the

heroine. Suddenly the elephant started chasing him. He had to run and save

his life. Unfortunately Pallava soldiers anested him. However he escaped. He

became a close friend and confidant ofNaracimman. King Makentiran himself

- -
admired him for his bravery and intelligence. He had a strong body, a graceful

face and a bold attitude. Fighting was like sugar and milk for him (26; vol.l ).

He was well trained in the ma1iial arts. The heroic biood of his ancestors

flowed through his veins also. As a young boy he was very wild, rough and

tough. But later he became a perfect gentleman. He looked more matured and

experienced because of his participation in many battles. Prince Naracimma!l

was proud of calling him his friend. He proved himself a talented am1y General.

He made expe1i and excellent devices to protect the castle of Killi'ci from

Pulikeci's army. His character is an admirable creation by Kalki.

Parancoti is a round character. He had served for the Pallava Kingdom

for twelve years. The aftem1ath ofPallava invasion ofVatapi was horrifying.

So it changed his mind. The sight of blood pool, the dead bodies of men
heaped like mountains and the violent cry of wounded and dying soldiers

made him think, "Why all this horror?'' (56-57; vol.4, ch.35). This reveals his

maturity of mind. Pallava King Naracimmavarma!l was angry with Parancoti

~+--
before the invasion ofV~tapi. But Parancoti remained calm and cool. Mamallar

wanted to attack Vat~pi fort immediately. But Para'llcoti was a military genius.
 147

He wanted three days' preparation before the attack so that the attack of Vatapi
fort would be successfully operated within a day and a night (56; vol.4, ch.56).

He was bold. While he was standing near Vatapi fort, suddenly an arrow

whizzed past his head. The heart ofthe Pallava soldiers seemed to stop when
they saw this danger. But Parancoti remained unperturbed (31-32; vol.4, ch.36).

In his presence of mind arid alertness he was like Hereward. Once Hereward

met with a similar danger to his life. One day, when he was asleep, a Greek

soldier named Sebastes tried to kill him with a poniard. But, Hereward

immediately woke up and arrested him with his battle-axe. Hereward was
"'J,
fearless like Parancoti. Villain Nakananti was finally cornered by Parane'ot'i. ~

Suddenly Nakananti took a knife. He aimed it at Civakami. Parancoti acted

immediately. He chopped Nakananti's shoulder and the latter fell down (36;

vol.4, ch.43). Thus his presence of mind and alertness saved the heroine's life.

He was a round character. After the conquest of V~tapi he wished to lead a

pious life worshipping Lord Shiva (n.p.n.; vol.4, ch.4 7). His desire is similar

to Hereward's desire. Hereward too wanted to lead a calm life after his hectic

activities in Constantinople. Para'llcoti was given the honour of hoisting the

Pallava flag at the top of the Victory Pillar in Vatapi. Before taking up a pious

life, Mamallar offered him several thousands of elephants and gems and

ornaments as war booty. But Parancoti refused to accept them. He was selfless

like Hereward. Thus Kalki has created the second hero also in a noble manner.

The father-characters in The Heart of Midlothian, Kenilworth and

Civakamiyi!J. Capatam namely Douce Davie Deans, Sir Hugh Robsart and

Ayanar are alike in some ways. All the three were widowers. They loved their

daughters to a great extent. They were from humble families only. Deans was
a cowfeeder. Sir Hugh Robsart was an ordinary knight. Ayanar was a sculptor.
 148

In one way Ayanar was different from other father- characters. He was a great

'\Dd unparalleled sculptor. He had a divine touch in his statues. He had

constructed the shore temples in Mahabalipuram. Ayanar was well-versed in

Bharatha dance also. He was "Emperor among sculptors" ( 179; vol.l ). He

had carved "living statues" (34; vol.3, ch.l3). His sculptures were more precious

than his daughter whom he regarded as his life. Therefore, when Nakananti

was in a dilemma whether to save the sculptures at Mmnallapuram or to save

Civakami, Ayanar asked him to save the sculptures first (92; vol.4, ch.25).

Even Pulikeci described him as "The greatest sculptor ofPallava nation" (34;

vo1.3, ch.l3). All these father-characters regarded their daughters as the apple

of their eye. Because of them they suffered. Effie caused much misery to Deans

because of her imprisonment and disgrace to the family. The run-away daughter

Amy caused similar misery to Robsart which ultimately resulted in his death.

In the case of Civakami she did not cause any shame to Ayanar. Her abduction

to Vatapi and separation from him for nine years was the reason for his suffeting.

Deans's Suffering came to an end as Effie was set free. Similarly Ayanar was

relieved of his suffering as he was reunited with Civakami. But Robert is the

most pitiable man. His daughter was mercilessly killed by the villain. Scott

and Kalki will be remembered for the creation of such emotionally realistic

father-characters in historical novels. There are other father- characters in the

historical novels of Scott and Kalki. They are of course royal persons. They

· are Emperor Alexius, King Makentiravarmag and King Cuntara Colag. Their

affection towards their children could not be portrayed deeply as their duty to

their nations was more important. Of course they loved their children. Out of
love for his daughter only Emperor Alexius forgave his conspirator-son-in-

law. King Makentirag_ and his consort always called young man Naracimma!l
 149

their child. To the c(;~a King his daughter Kuntavai was advicer. The children

of royal parents did not cause any mental sufferiqg to them as the children of

non-royal parents did. Scott and Kalki have succeeded in creating all these

parents in an interesting manner.

The character named Nakananti is one of the most unforgettable villain

characters in Tamil literature. Kalki has given him an apt name. The first half

of his name stands for the Tamil word 'Nakam' which means 'cobra'. From

this the readers can understand how venomous this character must be.

According to Giles Gosling Richard Varney in Kenilworth was as dangerous

as a wolf or a snake. Varney's very lookwould kill people. Nakananti was also

one such villain. He stands on par with Scott's Richard Varney, Shakespeare's

Iago and Milton's Satan. He was a Buddhist monk for thirty five years. Actually

he was a devil incarnate. His face was fearfully cruel. It resembled a tomcat

(74; vol.l). There was poison in his heart and tongue (73; vol.l). He had

actually poisoned his blood by taking poisonous herbs for several years.

However poisonous a snake bit him, the snake would die instead ofNakananti.

Even snakes were afraid of coming near Nakananti. He was six feet tall with

a strong body. Vamey was loyal to his master Leicester and strove to make

him the King of England. Nakananti loved his twin Pulikeci. He even acted as

his spy so that Pulikeci would conquer Kanci, the Pallava Capital. He was

Satanic. Satan seduced Eve's mind. Likewise Nakananti seduced Civakami's

mind by calling her lover a womanizer and a coward. His heart was as dry as

a desert. To achieve his goal he would do anything. He tried to kill Prince

Naracimmag secretly. Once he widened the canal of Tirupparkatal, a lake,

when there was heavy rain and storm. His bad intention was that the Pallava
people living near that lake should be killed in the floods. He was very cruel.
 150

He even planned to kill the people ofKanci by mixing poison in the drinking
water. Like Varney he told lies. He met Naracimma!! as if he was a messenger
from Makentra Pallavag and uttered a lie that Makentira Pallava!? had been
put in jail by Pulikeci. He was a sadi~t like Vamey. Intentionally he did not kill
Mamallag so that he would be tortured throughout his life as Civakami had
been taken as a captive by the Chalukyas (31; vol.3, ch.43). Varney and
Nakananti were hard-hearted and cruel villains. They never hesitated to murder
others. Vamey shot dead his own assistant Michael Lambourne. N;;-kananti
killed a painter by just s,sr;~tching his neck with the nail of his little finger and
thereby injecting poison fro~ his body into his body. The painter, unable to
bear the burning sensation in his body, jumped into V~tora river and died
(32; vol.4, ch.29). Nakananti did so as the painter had painted a lady dancer
keeping her head on the feet of King Pulikeci and asking for his forgiveness.
Further, he had painted the picture of a Buddhist monk who came fast to

rescue the girl from royal punishment. Of course the dancer stood for Civakami
and the monk for N~kananti. This infuriated N~kananti (35; vol.4, ch.28).
For, he was in love with Civakami. Varney was cruel to Amy. N;;kananti was
cruel to Rancani alias Kapalikai, who loved him. He gave her false hopes that
he would marry her. Actually he did not love her. Deliberately he made her
look ugly by charring her. He gave a clever explanation for making her ugly.
If only she was beautiful a prince would marry her (32; vol.4, ch.32). He
uttered a lie that he wanted to prevent that and marry her himself and so he
had made her ugly. This was very cunning ofN;kananti. He made Ranca!!i
ugly because she spoke ill ofCivakami (33; vol.4, ch.4). He made her believe
that after taking vengeance on Mamalla!! he would become the Chalukya King
and make her the Chalukya Queen. His own brother Pulikeci described him as
 151

" ... a cruel demon" (32; vol.4, ch.29). Varney killed heroine Amy. Nakananti
tried to kill heroine Civakami. He murdered Ra'i1cani who was in love with
him ..Civakami thought ofNakananti thus : "Is he a human being, or a demon
in the form of a human being, ... or lunatic whose brain is scattered, or a
merciless murderer' (34; vol.4, ch.44). In one way he was worse than Varney.
Varney never betrayed his master though he had several occasions for it. He
defended Leicester from the Queen's anger. But Nakananti was so bad that he
would do harm to his own brother for whose sake he had denounced his right

to the Chalukya throne. In the beginning Nakananti bore the tor,t'J~e of his·

. -
uncle Mm1kalecan's soldiers on behalf of his brother. His back was tUll of
scars caused by their torture (30; vol.3, ch.31 ). Nakananti tolerated all this for
the Jove and affection he bore for his brother. The same brother he betrayed

later. When Naracimmavarma!.! invaded Vatapi, Nakananti did not inform

Pulikeci about it though he had knowledge about the attack. Had he infmmed,
Vatapi would not have been destroyed. Nakananti wanted to punish his
ungrateful brother Pulikeci (36; vol.4, ch.29). Pulikeci did not want Nakananti
to marry Civakami, a dancer, and make her the Chalukya Queen. This advice
;{
/ '
was disliked by Nakananti.

-
Unlike Varney villain Nakananti had redeeming qualities. He was a lover
of atis. King Makentiravarma!! remarked about him: "Ah! Nakananti is not a
human being; he is a demon in human form; an evil fellow using poisoned
knife! But he is an artist!" (n.p.n.; vol.3, ch.26). Especially he loved the Bharatha
· dance of Civakami (30; vo1.3, ch.SO). His brother Pulike'ci had no taste for
arts. In the disguise of Pulikeci Nakananti ordered the Chalukya soldiers not
to destroy the sculptures at Mahabalipuram. This shows his love for arts. He
had determination of mind like Varney. He advised his brother, "Brother!
 152

Hereafter don't use the word failure" (33; vo1.3, ch.39 ). He loved Civakami

not for her physical beatuy. He was in love with the goddess of art who

possessed Civakami (35; vo1.3, ch.42). For Civakami 's sake he changed his

steel! ike frame into a soft one. Now he was as young as a thirty year old young

man to lead a family life with her. However, this villain character will be

mostly remembered for his evil nature.

The novel· Po!J.niyi!] Celva!1 is named after the hero. The hero

.( Aru!mol!varma~ was once saved from being drowned in the river Poillli. From
'
that time onwards he was called POJ:l!);iyig Celvag meaning the Glorious son

of the River PO!ll].i. Aru!mo!i is one of the greatest creations ofKalki. He is as

great at Scott's character Count Robert. Aru\mo!i's elder brother Atitta

Karikalag also has some resemblance to Count Robert. Aru!moli as well as

Atitta Karikala!); were valorous like the Count. Aru!mo!i was especially a good
samaritan like the Count. The Count sympathized with even an animal.

Arulmoli was kind and compassionate. Therefore he asked the Chief Buddhist

Monk why God was not preventing but simply watching the creatures suffer
-
from natural calamities. Once there was a heavy stom1 near Nakappartinam.

This caused floods. The sea water entered the villages situated on the shore.

The people ran for shelter into the palace of the Cola King at Anaimankalam.

The guard tried to drive them out. But Prince AruJmoli asked him to give
them shelter and also food (43; vo1.5). Thus he was kind and compassionate

to the people. He also wanted to distribute gold coins to those who lost their

houses (44; vol.5). Arulmoli

. - went to Ceylon for battle. At the same time he
declared that only the King of Ceylon was the enemy of the C;;las and not the
people of Ceylon (57; vol.l). Therefore he avoided hurting the people. This
shows his kind attitude. He had all good qualities befitting a royal personality.
 153

Like the Pole star he had a finn mind. He was rich in sacrifice, morality ::tnd

chivalry. Though the people of the Co!a land preferred to ha,·e him as their

King, Arujmoli did not accept it. He gave way to Cental1 Amuta!:l who was the
rightful heir. ArulmoJi was educated and had knowledge of the world. Even a

mere look at his face quenched the hunger of others. He had an innocent face.

He was the darling child of the Goddess of Fortune (113; vol.1). He was the

pet child of the entire Tamil land (124; vol.l). He was handsomer than his

father. His sister's words were Holy Scripture to him. He was obedient to his

father like Naracimman. When Aru!mol! was infom1ed that his father had

ordered him to be brought as a captive from Ceylon to Thanjavur he

immediately agreed to it. Such was his respect for his father. The Co!_a navy

. -
refused to arrest Arulmoli and take him as a captive from Ceylon. This was

flouting the orders of his father which meant that the Cola Kingdom would
disintegrate. Aru)mo_!i did not want such a thing to happen because of him.

This shows his patriotism. He loved his country more than be loved his life

(3 74; vol.2). He showed much respect for women. He did not even look at the

face ofwomen (129; vol.1). We see him in Ceylon perfom1ing many adventures,

X He was much daring. He went in the disguise of a .mahout to visit various

places in Ceylon particularly the Buddhist shrines. He accompanied the Chinese

pilgrims to Cimmakirikkottai, M~hiyallkana and Camaintakiitam

.. . in order to
see the wonderful sculptures and drawings (217; vol.2). He had a pleasing

personality. He was liked not only by the Tamils but also by the Sinhala people

and the Buddhist monks in Ceylon. The Tamils affectionately called him "the
son of Po!]-r§', "Lord Yama [God of Death] to foreign rulers" (222; vol.2),

"our I)ariko" and "the bloom of Cola dynasty" (223; vol.2). His soldiers
- .....
' - regarded him as the eye of their eye (230; vo1.2). For he moved with ordinary
 154

soldiers on equal terms (230; vol.2). With his love he had mesmerized his
soldiers and also the people of Ceylon (23 7, vol.2). The Association ofBuddhist
Monks in Ceylon praised him as he had passed orders to get the ruined Buddhist
Yihars to be repaired (255; vo1.2). This shows his religious tolerance. The
land upto Tampa!!ai in Ceylon was confiscated by Arulmoli. Here the Sinhalese
lived without fear. The Buddhist monks of Ceylon were very jubilant when he

.
occupied that part of Ceylon. For, Arulmoli had ordered for the reconstruction
-
of the ruined Buddha Yihars in Anuradhapuram (206; vo1.2). The- Pa~!iya

people admired him for his bold and kind acts (77-78; vol.2).
r· '·

.-
Arulmoli was a terror to his enemies. Therefore the King of Ceylon

- ..
Makintan hid himself in Rohana country. The Pantiya and Cera soldiers in his
-
army deserted Makintag and joined Aru}moJi's side (93; vol.2). Such was his
might. At the same time he was different from his brother Karikala!! in warfare.
Karikala!! handled "cruel war tactics" (237; vo1.2) whereas Aru!moli's war
method was full of grace and justice (237; vo1.2). Once Aru}mo}i and
Vantiyatteva!! fought with swords. Then AruJmoli did not look like a Prince
brought up with all luxuries in a palace. He had a brave and majestic appearance
like his ancestors Yijayalaya Cola!! and Irajatitta Tevar (285. vol.2). He had
no desire for Kingdoms. When the religious head of the Buddhist monks named
Attiyatcaka T~ro asked whether Arulmoli would occupy the throne of Ceylon,
Aru]moJ.i declined it as the King of Ceylon Makinta!!_ was still alive (257-58;
vol.2). This shows his magnanimity. Kalki's hero characters Aru!moli and
Naracimman did not have dynastic ambitions. But Scott's royal character

. -
Leicester wanted to become the King ofEngland. Arulmoli was more interested
in visiting all places of the world. Naracimma!!_ was more eager to live with

.
his iover Civakami. Arulmoli
- wanted to cross the seas and establish the Cola
-
Kingdom in foreign countries (717; vol.5).
 155

Arulmoli was very helpful to his friend Vantiyatteval!.: Edmund Tressilian

saved his friend Sussex from death with the help of Smith. Count Robe1i

refused to wound Hereward in the combat as he had helped him previously.

Naracimman was attached to his ·friend Parancoti. Arulmol_i was very much

attached to Vantiyattevag. Once Aru!mo] came to know that Vantiyattevall

was in danger in a ship in which some Arabs were sailing. Immediately he got
t:eady to save him. He could not forsake his friend in danger. Such was his

steadfast friendship (375; vol.2). On another occasion he displayed his boldness

and true friendship. He saw Vantiyat:~vau's ship burning. Immediately he

jumped out of his ship into a boat, went t~ Vantiyattevan's burning ship and
- .
saved him from the danger (409-11; vol.2). Vantiyattevan wanted Arulmoli to
- . -
abandon him and save himself from the tumultous sea. But Arulmoli would

. -
not do it. He wanted to save his friend even at the cost of his own life. Arulmoli
was not interested in kingship. But he would rather become the king to save

his friend Vantiyattevan from the false charge of assassinating Atitta Karikala11

.
Arulmoli
- told Vantiyattevan,- "But I cannot tolerate any hatm done to you"
(607; vo1.5).

Arulmoli loved the Cola people and vice versa. Once there was a rum our
- - -
-
that Arulmoli had a watery grave in the ocean while returning from Ceylon to
.
Tamil Nadu. After hearing this news the Cola people started crying. "From
small children to old people - they are shedding tears ... " (357; vo1.3). This

incident reveals the people's love for their Prince. He was honest,

straightforward and bold. From himVantiyattevaglearnt a lesson that he should

.
not utter lies in his life (96; vol.3). Arulmoli
- was a friend of animals also. He
could speak in a language which the elephant could understand. The elephant

acted according to his commands (141; vol.5). He was ready to make

 156

Maturantakarr successor to his father though it was against his people's will.

He was a champion of justice. Therefore he coronated Centag Amuta11. the

real heir to the Cola throne. He could have very easily become the King after

his father Cuntara Cola!!_. But it would be injustice and a disgrace to the Co!a
dynasty. It was a real sacrifice. Tnus the character
. of .
ArulmoUvarma~ is a

noble creation by Kalki.

The second hero Vantiyatteva~ is one of the most striking characters in

this novel. He can be compared to Hereward in valour. Both were born in

noble families. Hereward was an Anglo Saxon. Vantiyatteva~ belonged to the . -·

Vanar
. race which ruled for three hundred years (48; vol.l). Vantiyattevan- had
the title Vallavaraiya!.! (251; vol.l ). Hereward was called Varangian. Hereward

was the confidant of Emperor Alexius and a good friend of Count

Robett.Vantiyatteva!.! was a confidant ofAtitta Karikalag and the best friend

of Am!mo!i. Vantiyatteva!.! and Hereward were decent lovers. Hereward waited

for several years to marry Bertha. Vantiyatteva_l! too was prepared to wait to

man·y Kuntavai. Hereward helped Count Robert. Likewise Vantiyatteva!2

helped Am!molivatmag. The lives of Vantiyatteva_l! and Hereward were full

of adventures. Vantiyatteva!2 was leading a wandering life full of adventures.

He started from Kanci. Then he went to Ka!ampiir to meet another friend.

Next he went to Thanjavur to hand over Prince Karikila!!'s letter to the CoJa
King. Later he went to U_:aiyiir where he fell in love with Kuntavai. Then he

went to Ceylon. His adventures in all these places make an interesting study.

Though not the hero of the novel, he had heroic qualities. He was chivalrous,
bold, eloquent, daring and charming. Hereward was also bold and daring.

With boldness and daring Vantiyattevag challenged the Katampur soldiers,

not bothering about their numbers. At another time he deliberately dashed his

..
·
 157

horse against the palanquin bearers of a royal person hoping to talk with him.

He knew very well that he would be taken to task by the soldiers. Even then he

did it out of boldness.

Vantiyatteva11 was always smati and alert like Hereward. In Ceylon the

C~!a spy Alvarkka!iyat] and Aru!moli's soldier-messenger were about to start

their horses and go to meet Aru]moli. The messenger refused to give a horse

and take him to Aru]moli. Suddenly, Vantiyatteva11 pulled the soldier down

from his horse, climbed the horse and sped past. The soldier hurled his knife

at Vantiyatteva!!_. But Vantiyattevau remained flat on the horse's back and saved
himself (219; vol.2). This incident proves his smartness and alertness. He did

not mind risking his own life. He was too bold to invite Aru!moli for a fight.

- -
After Vantiyattevan's arrival in Ceylon Arulmoli fought with him and
-
overpowered him. Aru!mo!i took away Kuntavai's letter from him. Soon

Vantiyatteval_! challenged the Prince to a fight. He told Atulmo~i, " .. .I do not

have any need to save this life. If you are willing we will read a section of war

book [indulge in a fight] for some time" (224; vol.2). Prince ArulmoJi praised

Vantiyattevag as "bold friend" (229; vol.2). On another occasion Arutmol_i

invited him for a sword fight. Vantiyatteva12 boldly accepted it though he was

unaware of the reason for the fight. Vantiyatteva!!_ concentrated only on fighting.

Kalki comments, "He forgot that the enemy was the Prince who deserved his

admiration ... Only the sword revolving in the enemy's hand stood before his

eyes. His attention was laid only on the matter how to escape from being
attacked by that sword and how to wound the enemy after hitting that sword

down" (285; vol.2). The Co!a army General praised Vantiyatteva!! thus : "You
are the right companion of the Prince" (289; vo1.2). He was clever enough to

escape from the eagle eyes ofCinna Pa!uve!!araiyar who was in charge of the
 158
·r
security ofThanjavur palace. Even a shrewd spy like Alvarkka!iyal} admired

him thus: "He is not an ordinaty messenger. A man of great skill; bold fighter"

(309; vol.l). Vantiyatte{!! pleased everybody- Kuntavai, Nantigi, the Cola

King, the Cola

- Queen, Atitta Karikalan- and Arulmoli.
.. .... Vantiyattevan- is like
the Varangian in Count Robert of Paris. Though both were friends of the

heroes, they did not hesitate to fight with them if they were challenged by

them. Vantiyattevag had great self-confidence. He spoke to himself, "What if

any impediment happens on the way? There is a javelin in my hand. In the

sheath hanging from my hip is a sword. There is armour on my chest. There is

guts in my heati" (17; vol.l ). He was a man of reason and had a sense of

humour. He found a Saivite and a Vaishnavite quarrelling about the supremacy

of their respective gods. Vantiyattevag intervened and said that their gods
were not fighting with each other. He questioned them why then they should

be fighting on behalf of their gods (21; vol.l ). In fact Kalki was a humorist.

So we find him bestowing his character with a sense of humour. Once he met

an astrologer who asked him who he was. Vantiyatteva!!: said humorously,

"you are a famous astrologer. Can't you find out through astrology who I am

and why I came to you?" (105; vol.l). The astrologer told him, "You will

come up day by day" (109; vol.l). Immediately Vantiyattevan retorted, "My

goodness! My present height itself is too much" (109; vol.l). The astrologer

meant his growth in life. But Vantiyattevan humorously referred to his physical

height. He was noted for his chivalry. That was why he rushed to the banks of

Aricilaru when he heard women crying, "Crocodile! Crocodile!" (131; vol.1).

He immediately hurled his spear at the crocodile. The readers are reminded of

Hereward rushing to save Bertha from a boar.

 !59

Apmi from humour, Kalki manifests this character with a tendency to

play tricks and tell lies in order to escape from critical situations in life. This
adds beauty and chann to this character. In this we find some similarity with
Wayland Smith in Kenilworth. He too played tricks with others and told lies to
hoodwink others. Vantiyattevag even justified his art of telling lies by calling
it imagination. He told Alvarkka!iyag that the blood of the generation of poets
flowed in his blood also. Therefore, sometimes imagination came gushing.
Vantiyatteva!lc never hesitated to tell lies to keep his secrets. Once he happened

to be in prison in Ceylon. Cola Chief Minister's spy A!varkka!iyal} met him.

To him he said that he had come to Ceylon as Nanti!!i had given him. a"1
important work. She had asked him to bring back the Crown and necklace of
Maturai Pa~]-tiya dynasty kept hidden by the Ceylonese royal family. Actually
he had come to Ceylon to deliver Kuntavai's letter to Aru!mo,!j. He cheated
Cinnappaluve!!araiyar by telling him that his elder brother Periya
Paluvenaraiyar gave him his signet ring to enter Thanjavurpalace (193; vol.l).
It was actually given hy Nantigi. Other remarkable qualities ofVantiyattevag

were his intelligence and eloquence. Cuntara C~!a11 felt a little sore to know
that his elder son Atitta Karikalag had made use of gold to build a mansion
whereas his ancestor Parantakarr had used gold to roof a temple. To this
Vantiyattevag_replied that there was nothing wrong in it. For, Atitta Karikalan
regarded his parents to be gods and so he had built a golden mansion for their
living (105; vol.l). The King appreciated his eloquence. The Queen also
admired him thus : "Perhaps Saraswati Tevi [the Goddess of Knowledge] wrote
in his tongue as soon as this child [Vantiyatteva!!] was born! His eloquence is
wonderful!" (212; vol.l)_. His gift of the gab is revealed in the following
conversation between him and Kuntavai :

. ..,
 160

Kuntavai "You would not have expected to see this .... woman

again so soon!"

Vantiyatteva12 "It is not pi·oper to say meet again!"

Kuntavai "Wlly.?"

Vantiyattevan "Aren't we to say meet again only when we are

separated? Yon have not depmied from my hemi even

,· .... for a single second". (351; vol.l)

Great warriors like Ko!tJmpa~iir Periya Ve!ar Puti Vikkiramakecari, the Captain.
of the Cola anny in Ceylon, admired his intelligence. Like a magician he

escaped from several dangers and difficulties and visited people and places.
Even the woman- villain Nanti!!i uttered once astonishingly, "You are the real

magician! What magical tricks did you perform and come here?" (245; vol.l ).

He was a man of determination. He gave a self-estimate about himself to

Parttipentira Pallava!! thus : "Sir! Wllen it is necessary to save my life I shall

save my life. I know to give up my life at the time of giving it up" (209; vol.l ).

To him he expressed his desire to die in a fight with a prince like him than in

the hands of Paluve~!araiyar brothers (209; vol.l). He was always optimistic

· in the midst of difficulties and dangers in life. He was bound with ropes by

some Arabs and put in the lower deck of a ship. Then Vantiyattevag thought,

"Won't there be a way of escape from this? ... As long as there is life in this

. body and as long as there is knowledge and skill of counsel there is no need to

lose faith totally" (382; vol.2). He was a true soldier. Therefore he refused to

kill the Arabs who were asleep as suggested by magician Ravitacan.

Vantiyattevan was not fickle minded. Ravitacan and Tevaralan wanted him to
- - ·-
 I 6I

join their side. Vantiyatteva~ refused. He wanted to be loyal to the Co~s and

not be a traitor. This is similar to Herev,;ard's temptation by the conspirators to

join their side. But Hereward remained loyal to the Emperor. Vantiyatteva12_

was ready to sacrifice his life for the Co!as. He was never scared e\·en at times

of danger to his life. Villain Ravitiica:: and Tevari'ilat! left him alone in a big

wooden ship in the middle of the sea and escaped. But Vantiyatteva!! had

f01iitude. Therefore he thought, "Have I not escaped from so many difficulties

previously because of God's grace? God will show me some way to escape

from this danger!" (397; vo1.2). Caught in a stom1, his ship was going round

and round. Moreover rain was lashing heavily. The ship was going to sink.

But the thought of drowning did not scare him. He remained undaunted. He
realized that the death due to him was "a wonderfi.ll death" (403; ,·ol.2). Even

when lightning and thunder struck his ship and the mast caught fire, he
remained unperturbed. He knew that he could not escape from death. He

laughed. Prince Atitta Karikalag commented about VantiyattevaE thus : "It is

very rare to see a jubilant man like him. Even if he is placed at the door step of

Yamalokam [the world of the dead], he will be laughing enthusiastically!"

(93; vol.4).

-
Vantiyattevan helped hero Arulmoli in several ways. Arulmoli was
. - . -
affected by cold and fever while returning from Ceylon. He became delirious.

Vantiyatteva~ and Punkulali lodged him at the Buddha Vihar in Nakappa!ljnam.

The Buddhist monks treated him well and soon Aru!mq.!i recovered from his
illness. Otherwise he would have died. At the same time Vantiyatteva.!! learnt

several things from Aru!mo!i. He decided to speak only the truth and manage

difficulties that may result out of it (96; vol.3 ). He was also a good friend of

Atitta KarikalalJ.. He thought that his first and foremost duty was to defend
 162

Aitta Karikalag who would get himself involved in danger because of his

-
hasty steps ( 135; vo1.3). He saved his friend Karikalan from a wild pig. He
.

was prepared even to prostrate before Nanti!Ji and request her earnestly not to

commit the sin of assassinating Atitta Karikalan (297; vol.S). For, she wanted

to wreak vengeance on Karikala!} who had killed her lover the Pm?tiya King.
Even after the assassination of Karikala_!! Vantiyatteva_!! did his duty to his

dead friend. He saved his corpse from being burnt by the fire so that the dead

body could be laid to rest with full honours due to the son of a King (346;

vo1.5). He also saved his friend Centag Amutag who was to become the Coja
r '·
King.Ee bore the spear hurled by Pinakapani in his body and saved Centag

Amutag. Another time he jumped into the floods of a river to save Magirriekalai,

his friend Kantamarag's innocent sister. He was also ready to sacrifice his life

and defend his lady love Kuntavai from any danger (243; vol.3). Such was his
deep love for her.

Vantiyatteva!.!. was bold and adventurous. He had the eagemess to perfoim

bold and adventurous deeds and make the world wonder at him (635; vo1.5).

Therefore he went down the tunnel out of which came conspirator I!umpankari.

He was least bothered about the dangers involved in it. He went along the
tunnel and found out that it led to Katampiir palace.

Vantiyattevan was capable of giving political solutions. Therefo·re he

suggested to his friend Atitta Karikalan that he should marry Mavimekalai to

solve all problems. If he married her Campuvaraiyar and Kantamarag. would

support them. Paluve!!araiyars would be isolated (327; vol.4). Young Queen

Nantigi 's power would be curtailed. After that Maturantaka Tevar would never

speak about ruling over the Co!a Kingdom. They could totally put down the
 163

petty Kings' conspiracy and the plot of the 'Helpers in danger' of Pa1:!iya

country and get victory (328; vol.4). He looked innocent. Therefore even the

Cola King refused to believe that Vantiyattevag would have killed his son

Atitta Karikalag. So he asked Parttipentiran and Kantamara11 "Do you mean

to say that this young man with a milk oozing face killed my son?" (642;

vol.4). Similarly Prince Arulmoli also defended Vantiyatteva!! when he was

charged of assassinating Attitta Karikalall: So he said, "Accusing him is like

accusing me!" (643; vol.5). Karikala!!;, Kan~tamara!!., Parttipentiran. and

Pa!uvegaraiyar fell victims to Nanti12i's charm. They were weak-minded before

~ '
a beautiful woman. But strong-minded Vantiyattev01g did not fall a victim to

Nantini's cham1. Vantiyattevan's helping nature was rewarded at last. He was

made the King ofVallam. He was in love with Kuntavai, the only deughter of

King Cuntara Cola!! and vice versa. He deserved her love. He was not in love

with her for her status. Like a true knight he wanted to achieve great things in

his life and then seek her hand. So he told Kuntavai,

I won't meet your father, tell him about my old dynastic pride and

ask for the fortune of thy hand. Aru!mo!!varmar and myselfhave dedicated

our lives to the bette1ment of this Cola empire. We have resolved to

hoist the tigerflag [of the Colas] on the Vindhya Parvatam [hill] in the

North, Tirikona mountain in the South, Lakshadweep island in the west,

and in Cavakam, Kataram and Kampajam on the other side of the sea in

the East. After achieving at least a little I shall go to Emperor Cuntara

Cola and appeal to him 'Look! Allow me to put the victory garlands,

which I am wearing now, around the neck of your good daughter!' I will

-.
' - •"' -
go to Ceylon, triumph over Makintan, bring Pantiyan Crown and Intiran

necklace and keep it before the Princess [Kuntavai]. After Keeping it, I
-
 164

shall ask with pride, 'Ifl deserve to take hold of your [Kuntavai's] hand,

give me that favour!'. (767; veiLS)

Thus, like Scott, Kalki has .bestowed the second hero Vantiyatteva!_l

with heroic qualities.

Another remarkable character ofKalki is Atitta Karikalag. He is portrayed

as a brave wanior. Like Leicester he had won many titles. The titles are : "The

brave soldier who had entered the battlefield at twelve, The Kopparakecari

...... -·
who acquired the head ofbrave Pantiyan, The lion whom the Irattai Mantalattar
....
. .
. Man.tal am, The M;tanta
are afraid of in their dream, The ruler ofTontai . .. Nayakar
of the North ... " (1 0; vol.4) In haughtiness and pride he resembles Count Robert.

He was the King designate after Cuntara Cola!_~. Kalki desctibes him as " ... great
warrior, expe11 in military art; Cat;,Jakyar in political diplomacy "(66; vol.l).

. . army at Cevur.
At twelve he entered the battlefield. He· defeated the Pantiya

He chased Vlrapantiyan
.. . --
who hid himself in a cave. He crushed the 'Helpers in

Danger' ofVirapa~!iyag and cut off his head (119; vol.4). So he was offered

the title "the Kopparakecari who possessed the head of Vil-apa!}!iya~" ( 124;

vol.l). He drove away the Rashtrakiitar from Tirumunaippati and

.. .
Tontaimantalam. He was prepared to go to the North to fight with the kings

there. In the battlefield he used to go alone from place to place and fight with

the enemies. He brandished his sword with great speed. The readers are

reminded ofNaracimmag's skill in warfare and Count Robert's quickness in

attacking his enemies. His grandfather Malayaman used to say, "Don't I know

what a bold warrior you are? I will trust you and send you alone in the midst

•...J,.. __ \
often thousand enemies bearing cruel weapons" (29; vol.4). Karikalag himself

declared to his friends Parttipentiran and Kantamaran, "Why should we fear

. - --
 165

death':?" (93; vol.4). He had the strength to bend and break even a javelin (96;

Vol.4). Once he' told Campuvaraiyar, "I never feared that harm would be done

to me even in the midst of one lakh enemies ofPa:1tiya country" (129; vol.4).

The only drawback in his character was that he was short tempered (381;

vol.l ). He was haughty and fearless about himself like the Count. With great
audacity he called very elderly people like Campuvaraiyar and Periya

Paluve_l:!araiyar "old fellows" (128; vol.4). Campuvaraiyar was like a small

King and Periya Paluv~t!araiyar was the Cola Treasurer who had dedicated

..
himself to the welfare of the Cola dynasty. He ridiculed Periya Paluvettaraiyar
-
for having married a young woman at his middle age knowing well it would

irritate him. It was his audacity that led to his death like the audacity of Count

Robeti which led to his imprisonment. He was warned by his sister Kuntavai

not to go to Ka!ampiir palace. He rejected her advice and went. He was

assassinated under mysterious circumstances. As he himself said, "I am not

afraid of any kind of danger... " (382; vol.l). He had great self-confidence like

Count Robert. Therefore he told his grandfather, "If I wish, with the help of

my hand sword, I can establish ten Kingdoms like this [Co!a Kingdom] "(386;

vol.l ). Even while hunting Karikala_g dared to meet the animals himself. He

never allowed others to send arrows and hurl spears at the animals that pounced

on him. Thus he was self-confidant. He had a thirst for war. He wanted to

invade Ceylon, countries near the East Seas like Cavakam, Puzkam, Katararn

and the Western countries like Arabu, Paracikam and Miciram and install the

Tiger Flag of the Tamils (417; vol.l). His character is in contrast with that of

.
·~ -Arulmoll: Arulmo1Cbehavedw1tl1 liis soldiers politely: He hiicfcfiarmed even
- - -
..... __
the people of the enemy country Ceylon. Atitta Karikalan handled cruel war

methods whereas Aru~moli 's war method was full of benevolence and justice
 166

(237; vol.2). Nanti_!li commented about him thus : "Atitta Karikalar in not a

puppet in the hands of others like Aru!mo!ivarma!!. He is not a coward like

Maturantaka!l" (292; vol.3).

Atitta Karikala!:_ had a soft heart like Count Robert who sympathized
with the ape. Karikala_l} saw in a sculpture a raj ali bird crushing a pigeon and
another pigeon requesting the raj ali to release the other pigeon which perhaps
was its lover. Karikalan sympattized with the pigeons. Even his "diamond

. -
hard heati" (26; vol.4) had such softness. Like Arulmoli he did not even look
at women (126; vol.4). Count Robert set out from Paris to participate in the
Crusades and defend Christianity. Similarly Karikala!!. had a great aim and
desire. He wanted to establish the valorous fame of.the CoLa dynasty through

conquest. He was willing to forgo his right to the Co!a throne to Maturantaka_u
on condition that he must be offered three lakh soldiers to besiege North India.

. -
He wanted to achieve fame like his ancestor Karikal Valavan who installed
the Tiger flag of the C-;;!as in the Himalayas. He would become the Emperor
of the North. If otherwise, he died in the battlefield he would die happily and
reach Paradise as one who had established the valorous fame of the Cola
--<""
dynasty. He was patriotic. Hence, to safeguard the Cola empire he would kill
even her lover Nanti_E!i or his own sister (330; vol.4). He was ready to become

- -
a martyr to save the Cola dynasty. He told Vantiyattevan, "If our Cola dynasty
-
has to be saved, either I should die or she [Nantiuil should die or both [Karikalau
and Nanti!!.i] must die "(330; vol.4). Ironically Karikalan died. Sympathies
are due to such a great character who met with death not naturally nor in battle

..
but through conspiracy of the 'Helpers in danger' of the Pantiya army. Thus
the character of Atitta Karikalan is a laudable creation of Kalki. Karikalan
- -
ranks on par with Scott's Count Robert.

·, . ....-.
 167

A noteworthy feature in Kalki's characterization is his expertise in

creating a very powerful female villain in Pon~Iiyil] Celvm~. It is NantiJ}i.

Mystery shrouded her parentage (416; vol.l). In the beginning she was

considered to be the daughter of a temple priest. She was so beautiful that she

could charm every young man. Prince Atitta Karikalal_l was not an exception.

lt seems both were in love with each other. But, later, Kalki gives a new turn.

Nantigi told Karikala!} that she had been in love with King Virapag~iyag whom
Karikalag had beheaded. To avenge her lover's death Nantil}i joined hands

with a villain like Ravitaca~. She kept a sword engraved with the fish emblem

of the Pav!iya dynasty ready to do away with "A.titta Karikalan. She lured

Karikalag to Ka!ampiir palace where he was assassinated. At Katampur, before

Karikalan's murder, Nantini confessed her love to Karikalan. But she told him
- - -
that she could not marry him. She broke the suspense that she was the daughter

.
of a Pantiya
. King through an ordinary Ceylonese woman called Umairani.
.
She requested him to kill her. She had been living a life full of deceptions so

that Atitta Karikala.!!. should hate her. Karikahg understood the struggle in her

mind between her love for him and her inability to marry him as she was the

daughter of the enemy Pa!]-tiya ruler. Nantiui was dangerous like Varney and
N;kananti. She is a good illustration of Shakespeare's saying that one can

smile and smile and yet be a villain. As Parttipentirag said, she was a monster

(416; vol.l). Her own husband Periya Pa!uven:araiyar called her "degraded

woman" and "enchanting demoness" (103; vol.S). According to him she was

"a woman conspirator and poisonous cobra" ( 107; vol.S). She could do anything

..
to achieve her goal. She married Periya Paluvettaraiyar who was more than
~

. fifty five. Through him she wanted to fulfil her plan of killing Atitta Karikalau.

Next she wanted to put the blame of assassinating Karikalag_ on Vantiyattevau.

·•
 168

r
\
So she befriended Vantiyattevan also. She hated Princess Kuntavai. She felt
that Kuntavai had ill-treated her in her girlhood days as she was considered to
be born in a low family. In order to raise her status only Nantini had married
Periya Paluvettaraiyar
- ..
(30; vol.3). She supplied money from the Treasury of

the Cola country to the conspirators of the Piiu:tiya country who worked against
the CoLa dynasty (107; vol.S). Thereby she indirectly made her husband a
traitor to the Cola dynasty. Her villainy was the result of her revenge motive
whereas Nakananti 's villainy was due to political and personal motivations.

t'. '·

Villain Varney had a handsome appearance. Nakananti, alias Nilakeci,

had the innocent look of a Buddhist monk. Likewise Nanti!.!,i had a beautiful
exterior. She had a face full ofmoon beams ( 163; vol.l ). "Nanti!,li had a golden
complexion ... Her reddish black coloured eyes were wide open like the honey
bee with spread out wings ... Her nose was flat and smooth as if made of ivory...
Her slightly thick lips looked like manna overflowing coral cup" ( 102-03;
vol.2). Even Princess Kuntavai praised her as "beautiful angel" (104; vol.2).
In beauty she resembled Mokini, a beautiful dancer in Paradise (11; vol.3).
Her beauty would make mad any man who looked at her (163; vol.1). Pallava

Prince Pa1ttipentirag too was maddened by her beauty. So he declared to her,

"If I had a hundred lives I would dedicate them to fulfil your desire. If I had a
thousand empires I would sacrifice them for the sake of your desire. If I am
told to lese this world and the other world I am willing for that also. Ifl am
asked to forgive cruel enemies I will. If I am asked to fetch the heads of close
friends and place them at your feet, I will do it first and then do the nex thing"
(21; vol.3). She was the young Queen ofPa!uvlir (164; vol.l). Her lips were
, ......L --...,
·like lotus bud and her teeth were like white pearls (164; vol.l). Her voice
intoxicated others ( 164; vol.l ). It was a mixture of the softness of the silk of

,.-.
c
 169

Kaci, the intoxication of toddy, thesweetness of forest honey and the shine of
winter lightning (I 64; vo\.1 ). Even Vantiyattevag admired her beauty and said,
"What a beauty! what a shine!" (I 80; vo\.1 ). To Vantiyatteva_l! she looked like
the goddess of beauty (244; vol.l). Even women admired her beauty.
Ma!Jiniekalai was ready to marry her if women were allowed to marry women
(104; vol.4). Even Lord Krishna would be enticed by her beauty and make her
his consmi after driving away his former consorts (249; vol.l). She could
very easily charm anybody by sending the majic arrow of enchantment from
her eyes (257; vol.l ). She,had a flower hand softer than flower, silky hand and

honey sweet voice (274; vol.l).

Such a beautiful woman had an evil mind. VantiyattevaE thought that

her eyes sparkled like the cleft tongue of a cobra (256; vol.l ). In Chief Minister
Aniruttar's opinion she was several times worse than the poisonous cobra

(224; vol.3). She had planned to destroy the Cola dynasty by its roots (224;
vo1.3). She had taken a vow to annihilate Atitta Karikalal_!. To achieve this end
she had worked for three years. She had been waiting for chances, tricks and

devices to fulfil her vow. She was the comapnion of conspirators Ravitaca_!l
and Coman Campavag who were more dangerous than snake and scorpion
which would hide themselves in burrows if they saw them. Royal life was not

coveted by her. Nakananti too had no ambition for princely life. Nantini told
Ravitaca!1 "Tut! Tut! Who wants this cot, mattress, dress and ornaments? Am
I alive for all these trivial pleasures? Not at all!" (261; vol.l). She was shrewder

than villain Ravitacan .

..J..--,
Nanti!}i 's aim was that none of Cuntara Colan's heirs should ascend the
throne ofThanjavur (283; vol.l). She also caused ill-will between the brothers
 170
r·
... -
Cinnappaluvettaraiyar and Periya Paluvettaraiyar.
- .. She poisoned her husband's
mind by telling him that he should become the Emperor (285; vol.l). To
Karikala~ she was the embodiment of cunning and sin. She was more cruel
than poison (395; vol.l). She had the gift of the gab. That was why she changed
the pious mind ofMaturantaka]2 and kindled in his heart a desire to rule over

the Cola Kingdom. Previously he was interested only in visiting holy places
and doing service to God (276; vol.l). As Periya Pa}uvegaraiyar called her
she was an enchantress who can mesmerize everbody. She was like Varney
I
l-> who could charm even the Queen by his oily tongue.

;..!anti£i was a pretender and hypocrite. She wanted to see the Cola
Kingdom ruined. Yet she spoke as if she was really interested in the welfare of
the Cola Kingdom. Therefore she asked Kuntavai to remain in Thanjavur.
Othe1wise " ... [Cola] empire would be ruined" (138; vol.2). Nantigi hated
Kuntavai as a "female serpent" (182; vol.2). Nantigi did not want
Arulmolivarman to become the successor of Cuntara Colan. With a view to
"' - - -
that she would make a counter plot against Kuntavai 's plot to make Arulmoli

the Co.!_a King (182; vol.2).

Nanti!_!i, in spite of her villainy, had some redeeming qualities. She was

grateful to her husband. For he had married an orphan like her and made her
young Queen. Therefore she promised him that she would not kill Atitta
Karikala.!_! by her hand (310; vol.4). Because it would cause a black mark on
her husband who had all his life time protected the CoJa dynasty. After
Karikalag's assassination, she did not desert her husband. She took care of her
physically weak husband for three days before leaving him once for all. She
had married Periya Paluvenaraiyar with an important aim. Like ancient Tamil
 171

women she wanted to avenge the injustice meted out to her (346; vol.4). She

wanted to annihilate Atitta Karikala!! and prevent Aru]mo_~i from becoming

the C;;J.a King. To achieve her goal she would go to any extent. She was so

villainous that she tried to cau?e ill-will between the two good friends Karikalag
I

and Vantiyatteva!J. She lied to Karikalag that Vantiyattevag was madly in love

with her. She added that Vantiyattavan even assured to fetch her Karikalan's

head if she wished (359; vol.4). Such was her loathsome nature. She was very

cunning. She tried to prevent Vantiyattevan from accompanying Atitta

Karikala!_! all the time as he was a hindrance to her plan of killing Karikalag.

Nanti!!i thought of various contrivances to fulfil her goal ofkilling Karikalall

.
either through Manimekalai or Kantamarafl or Vantiyattevan (381; vol.S).
- ·-
In the end the suspense is revealed. Vantiyatteva!! told Kuntavai that he

-
had heard Nantini telling Karikalan that she was the daughter of Vlrapimtiyan
- . . -
..
(757; vol.S). So, the readers come to know that she was not the lover ofPantiyan
-
as she confessed earlier. Thus she was e-apable of telling any kind of lie. She

..
had actually wanted to avenge the death of her father the Pantiya King by

killing his assassin Karikalau. Kuntavai appreciated her as a Valorous woman

as she had successfully fulfilled her plan of avenging Virapii.IJ~iyan's

assassination.

Thus Kalki has proved his competence in the creation of a woman-villain

who is in no way inferior to the men-villain characters in villainy. "In the

world of novel it is rare to find a cunning woman beating Nanti.!!i!" (Poovannan

196).

A detailed discussion of the important characters in the five historical

novels of Scott and Kalki has been done to emphasize the efficiency of the
 -------------------

172

two writers in the art of characterization. They stand second to none in creating

powerful men and women characters. The researcher has pointed ·out the

similarities between the hero characters, second hero characters, heroine

characters, father characters and villain characters of these two writers. These

two writers, in spite of their differences in nationality, language, culture and

social milieu, have successfully brought out the human emotions in the minds

of these characters in a realistic manner. This realistic touch has filled these

characters with flesh and blood. Hence these characters will live in the pages

of.~istorical fiction as long as human beings live on our planet.

Scott and Kalki have been successful in providing humour through some

of their characters. The situations in which these characters are placed and the
dialogue used by them are perennial sources of mi1ih and laughter. The humour

of Scott and Kalki is completely free from malice or ill-will. There is no trace

of bitterness or cynicism or spite in their humour, which is entirely good-

natured and tolerant. It is healthy and wholesome humour, with no touch of

morbidity or resentment. A novel wise study is made below :

The Heart of Midlothian

Scott, in general, displays abundant powers of comic writing. He dwells

upon incongruity and absurdity which are a fertile source of humour. The

Heart of Midlothian is, by and large, a serious and even sombre story. Yet
there are a number of comic elements in it. The humour in Scott's fiction is

mostly the humour of character. In the present novel humour proceeds chiefly
..... from Scott's portrayal of Saddletree, the Laird of Dumbiedikes, Ratcliffe,

Captain Knockdunder and David Deans.

 173

Saddletree amuses the readers by his pedantry, his legal knowledge, and

his vanity in employing Latin words and phrases, often wrongly. His conjugal

life is also the subject of some humorous comment by Scott. Saddletrec was

by profession a saddler. He never failed to express his opinions in legal matters

whenever he found the opportunity. Saddlet:rec had a considerable gift of words

which he mi.stook for eloquence and which exposed him to sarcastic :remarks

by some of his listeners. To show that he was the boss at home, he often spoke

to his wife in haughty tone but he never exercised any real authority in domestic
' matters. Both with reference to the Porteous ca~e and the .case against Effie,
'- . ~ '
Saddletree talked copiously and with the airs of a leg:tl expert. When he misused

Latin words and phrases and was conected by Butler, he defended himself by

saying that he spoke Latin like a lawyer and not like a schoolmaster. Butler
reto1tcd that he spoke scarce like a schoolboy. The behaviour of Saddletree is

amusing at other times. When the King's Counsel had concluded a "leamed

speech", he "fell fast asleep" in the court (216).

Dumbiedikes is another comic character in the novel. Scott comments

about him thus : "There was not a cottage into which he did not enter, nor

scarce a maiden on whom he did not stare" (91). His very name is humorous.

For, he proved himself a 'dumb wooer'. A lover generally grows eloquent in

professing his love. But this Laird or IT)an of property was deficient in the gift

of speech in the presence of the woman Jeanie who had captured his heart. He

wooed Jeanie by gazing at her rather than speaking to her. He is pictured as a

man of slow ideas and confused utterances. Dumbiedikes was unable to make

a proposal of maniage to Jeanie or to speak to her father about his love for
her. Jeanie's step-mother, Rebecca, tried every art to induce him to make a

proposal but her efforts only scared him. Scott comments that he was
 174

"pertin.aciously gazmg on her with great stupid greenish eyes" (92).

Dumbiedikes 's pony too is amusingly described by the author. Scott calls it

Dumbiedikes's "Bucephalus" (124). He ironically compares it to Alexander

the Great's horse. This pony was so attached to its house that it never liked to

can·y its owner far from the house.

The trial of the notorious thief, James Ratcliffe, by the magistrate in a

court oflaw provides much amusement. The answers which Ratchiffe gave to

the magistrate's questions show the nimble wit of the roguish fellow who

seemed not to care at all that he was in a court oflaw. When asked his name he
replied that there were twenty names he could pick and choose from always

with his honour's leave. He meant that as thief he went under different names

at different places. When asked his occupation or trade he said amusingly that

his occupation was the opposite of the Eighth Commandment. The Eighth

commandment is : "Thou shalt not steal" (129). Thus the cross examination

went on. The climax was reached with Robert saying in answer to the question

what he expected, that he expected the post of an under-turnkey at Tolbooth

prison (130). Ironically he was appointed to that post.

David Deans's talkativeness, when the subject happens to be theology

or the Church of Scotland, is not only tedious but funny. He was too proud of

his own polemical knowledge to call himself the follower of any one. When

he said that he was not a Macmillanite, or a Russelite, or a Hamiltonian, or a

Harleyite, or a Howdemite, his interlocutor aptly remarked that was why he

was a Deanite and had opinions peculiar to himself. His refusal to accept

medical treatment by a doctor who was not of his religion Presbyterianism

makes the readers laugh.
 175

Captain Knockdunder is another humorous character. There is incongruity

in this man's dress. It had a ludicrous effect. This incongruity made "his head

and body look as if belonging to different individuals" (388). He was in the

habit of swearing a lot, uttering imprecations on the slightest temptation. With

reference to his name, he told Mrs. Dolly, "I knock under to no man" (391 ).

Andrew Wilson was one of the pirates and buccaneers of the county of

Fife. He did not like the revenue officers as they totally ruined him by repeated

seizures. Scott writes in a lighter vein about him that he considered hirriself as

robbed and plundered by the revenue officers. It is amusing to note that a

robber felt offended because he was robbed.

In one situation a court executioner is a source of mirth. In Scotland the

office of the Doomster was held by the common executioner. So, when the

Doomster was seen in the court, " ... men shouldered each other backward to

avoid even the touch of his gannent, and some were seen to brush their own

clothes, which had accidentally become subject to such contamination" (2,20).

The fear of the people in the court for the executioner is quite amusing.

Kenilworth

The comic characters in this novel are : Wayland Smith, Flibbertigibbet

and Michael Lamboume. The first two were good-natured people. The instance

of friendship between the grown up man Smith and the young boy

Flibbertigibbet itself is amusing. Smith makes us laugh by his readiness to tell

·~-- lies .. He accompanied Tressilian to London. On the way he uttered lies to people

that Tressilian was a lord or a duke or some such dignitary so that people
 176

would respect him. He helped Amy to escape from Cummor Place and go to
Kenilworth castle. On the way a boy was waiting with a palfrey for a mercer.

Smith deceived the boy by telling him that he was that mercer and took away
the palfrey. Later, when the mercer demanded the palfrey, Smith threatened to
fight which made the mercer shiver out of fear. This is rea II y a cosmic scene
created by Smith.

Flibbertigibbet makes us laugh by his pranks and mischiefs. Tressilian

did not believe his story of a mysterious blacksmith mending the shoe of his

horse. He thought _,that the fifteen year old boy was a cheat. So he wanted to
catch hold of the boy and gave him a chase. But the boy gave him the slip. He
clapped his hands and laughed at Tressilian who could not catch him. This
scene in which the hero runs after a mischievous boy is really amusing. The
boy's grimaces and gesticulations at Tressilian at that time are meant to make

the readers laugh. They made even serious Tressilian laugh.

Flibbertigibbet's schoolmaster, Master Holiday, is also a source of

comedy. His very name itself associated with holiday provides us with mirth.
To a scholar like Tressilian the teacher used Latin in his speech in order to
exhibit his pedantic nature and erudition.

The three characters mentioned above were good-natured people. Their

comedy did not offend anybody. The fact that only minor characters provide
mirth is proved correct in this novel also as in The Heart ofMidlothian. Once
minor villain Michael Lamboume told his uncle" ... many a man finds courage
in the wars" (5). To this Giles Gosling replied " ... but I would have thought our
Mike [Michael Lamboume] more likely to lose the little he had" (5). When
 177

Anthony Foster enquired Michael Lambourne, " ... are you Michael

Lambourne?" (30). Michael Lamboume replied, "Ay; sure as you are Antony

Foster" (30). This is, of course, cheap comedy. We are amused when Scott

sarcastically calls the two villains Michael Lambourne and Anthony Foster

" ... the two worthies"(31). Once Wayland Smith wentto the Countees's chamber

in Mervyn's Tower, He was stopped by Michael Lamboume who said, "If

tfiou be'st so fond of this tower, my friend, thou shalt see its foundations, good
twelve feet below the bed of the lake, and tenanted by certain jolly toads,

..,..._..
snakes, and so forth, which thou wilt find mighty good company" (328) .

Actually Michael Lambourne wished him death through his ,speech. This was

uttered in a humorous manner. Afterreaching Kenilworth castle, Amy revealed

to a domestic her desire to speak to Leicester, the EarL The domestic was

shocked at the casual way some unknown lady was desirous to meet a very
impotiant person. So he said, ''I should summon my lord from the Queen's

royal presence to do your business, should I? - I were like to be thanked with

a horse whip" (310). By cracking this joke he pointed out to her how dangerous

her desire was.

··'(

Civakamiyin Capatam

In this novel ofKalki, unlike in Scott's novels, even majestic characters

crack jokes. We find Nakananti and the Pallava King talking humorously.

When Makentiravarman visited sculptor Ayanar, Nikananti and Paran'coti were

there. But N7tkananti did not want them to be seen by King because Nakananti----- ----

was a spy of the Chalukya King Pulikeci. So, he and Para~coti hid themselves

behind the Buddha statue there. Nakananti humorously commented that the .

hugeness of the Buddha statue was convenient to hide. The humorous utterance
 of Nakananti to Ayanar follows: "How to praise the prediction of the great

man Buddha monk N~karjuna who established that the statue of Lord Buddha
should be always made big?" (n.p.n.; vol.l ). When King Makentira Pallava!!_
wa~ in !he disguise. of a horse s9ldier-named Vajtapaku he told Patall'coti,

" ... [An elephant's daily food is] twenty four litJ-es of rice, nine plantain bunches,
twenty five coconuts, one half of a banyan tree- 'even after eating all this the
elephant's hunger will not be pacified! ... In spite ofall this there will be space
in its stomach to hold the mahout! But, as elephants are vegetarians they don't
eat mahouts!" (236; vol.l). On another occasion, when Pallava Prince
·--+-
-
Naracimman and P.:lilava
-· Army General.Parancoti had
.
gone to drive
.
out the
enemyPa~!iya King from Pallava territory, King Makentiran said humorously
that both had gone to give him a send off (42; vol.2, ch.16). At another time
Kamali cursed Pulikeci saying that thunder should fall on his head. Immediately

-
King Makentiran remarked funnily, "Aha! From whose mouth such a . sweet
.

blessing comes?" (32; vol.3, ch.18). Makentiran's calling her curse a blessing
was ironical. He further said humorously that nowadays many did not bless

people like that.

·'
Likehis father Prince Naracimmau also could speak with a sense of ~j

. .
humour. Once. he told Umaiyal's father that Umaiya1 who looked soft and
1
gentle had actually. scared the best General.of the Pallava Army, Parancoti
(31; vol.3, ch.28). Para'iicoti was noted for his bravery. It is only ironical to, say
that such a brave warrior could be scared by his future wife. Again N aracimma!!.. •..-!

told Umaiya! 's father that ifUmaiya! insisted on marrying only a learned scholar
there was a way for that. He said; ''At Kanci we have our ,d)'ll<lstic guru,
Rutraccariyiir. He is only ninety years old... If you wish I shall make him
marry your .scholarly daughter" (34-35; vol.3, ch.28).
 180

Ayanar's daughter Civakami remained unmarried. Therefore Ku~totarag had

told his grandmother, "If you wish you may marry; I will remain by your side
and celebrate it!" (340; vol.2). This Pallava spy was bold enough to crack
jokes in the presence of the Chalukya King Pulikeci who was the enemy King.
Pulikeci enquired Kuntotaran .
- why he wanted medicine . .Kuntotaran
, - replied
that the medicine was for his mother who had swallowed a stone mortar. Later
he clarified that she had swallowed the pestle and not the mortar. When Pulikeci
further questioned him he replied, "No, No! Mortar has swallowed my mother!"
(31-32; vol.3, ch.5). Soldier characters also provide mirth. The following

conversation between two soldiers is a source of laughter.

"Instead of returning [to Maturai] like that we can fall in this Varaka
river and kill ourselves" another person [a soldier] said.

"Aha! What a good way you found to kill yourself1 If you stand up
side down in this Varaka river water level will reach up to your nose. To
get drowned and killed in this river one needs a lot of cleverness" said
another person [soldier] (33; vol.4, ch.22).

PO!JIJ:iYi!J:. Celva!!:_

The novel POJJI:Jiyi!J:. Celva.!!:. is also abundant in humour. The religious

feuds between people of contrary sects during the Cola period make us laugh.
--------.~----- We_ fig_<!_tw()__r:~_l_igous men - one a Saivite and the other a Vaishnav_ite 11allled ___ _

Alviirkkatiyag talking in praise of each one's religion and God. A philosopher

saint intervened and pointed out that there was a state of wisdom above Saivite

- .
and Vaishnavite Gods. Alvarkkatiyari- did not agree to this. He took his club

-.
 I 81

and drove away the philosopher saint. He went to the extent of beating the
Saivite also. The people around these three enjoyed their fighting. Thus the
readers are able to enjoy this scene wherein religious feuds took place contrary
to common sense (18-20; vol.l).

Kalki can be farcical also. An example of one such incident can be seen

- ..
now. The soldiers of Paluvettaraiyar ridiculed Vantiyattevan- 's horse. One
soldier said, "First let you know whether it is a horse or donkey" (24; vol.l).
~-
Another soldier wanted to test whether it was a real horse or a wooden horse.
So he twisted its tail. It started running. The soldiers shouted and booed the
horse. It ran amuck and kicked several common people who had gathered

there (25; vol.l).

Once Vantiyattevag asked PunkuJali why she ran away after seeing him.
He wanted to know whether she thought him to be a ghost. But Piirikulali said,
"No; I did not think of ghost and devil. Your face is like the face of an owl!"
( 17; vol.2). Then she laughed. Hence a character made fun of another character.
->(".

There is another instance of this. One day a jungle cat tried to catch the young
ones of a bird in a rest. Vanati shouted at this. Aru!moJi was coming that side
on an elephant. He drove away the cat. Vanati laughed and humorously

commented, "I thought that you are a brave warrior... You came on an elephant
to fight with a cat, didn't you?" (154; vol.5).

The cleverness ofcharacters is revealed t!:ITough their humorous excharge--

. - - .
of words. To the Cola spy Alvarkkatiyan who argued that Vaishnavite God
-
was greater than Saivite God Vantiyatteva!! humorously remarked that he had
been to Heaven and measured the height of the two Gods. Their height was

-.
 182

equal. So one could not say which God was greater. They were equal (22;

vo1.2).

The characters competed with each other in exhibiting their shrewdness

through witty remarks. The following conversation is an example :

Vantiyatteva~ : "Vaishnavite! you know to climb over a wall at night:

Can you bring two horses from Campavaraiyar's

stable?"
r· '·
. ·'
Vaishnavite "I can climb over the wall. But the horses must know

how to climb over the wall". (35; vol.4)

.
Another example follows. Once Vantiyattevan met the astrologer at Kutantai
-
and was talking to him. Their conversation given below makes us laugh :

"Brother! who are you? why did you

come here?'' the astrologer asked.

" ... you are a popular astrologer...

Can't you see through astrology who

I am· and why I came to you?",

Vantiyatteva!! replied. (105; vol.l)

The quick retort of the second hero makes us laugh. It is presented below:

VantiyattevaE: asked the astrologer, "What

T
do planets and stars say about my
 183

case, astrologer?"

The astrologer replied, "They say that

you will grow up day by day"

Vantiyatteva~ retorted, "My Goodness!

My present height-itself is too much.

I have to duck when I enter your

house! What am I going to do by

growing up further?". (109; vol.l)

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The astrologer referred to Vantiyatteva~'s career while predicting his growth.

But Vantiyattevan deliberately took it as a reference to his physical height and

cracked a joke. Therefore the readers laugh holding both their sides. There is

humor in the buoyant conversation ofthe youths Nantini and Vantiyattevan. It

- -
is illustrated by the following conversation :

"Sir! you are very good at flattery.

I do not like that," said Nantini
"Madam! What do you mean by
flattery?", asked Vantiyattevag.
"Praising some one face to face,"
replied Nantini.
"If that is so you turn a little
and sit showing your back to
me ... ," Said Vantiyatteva!!:
"For what?" asked Nantigi.
"In order to utter flattery without

,. seeing your face but seeing your

back. .. ". (250; vol.l)

 184

The quick repartees of characters are other sources of laughter. The

following conversation is an example :

"Brother! What is fear? How will

- .
it be?" said Alvarkkatiyan.
-
"It will be black, gigantic and

as huge as an elephant. Haven't

you ever seen it?" replied
Vantiyattevap. (212-13; vol.2)

Vantiyattevan .
- told Arulmoli
- that he would not have any contact with Truth
and Benevolence. When Arulmoli asked him the reason for it Vantiyattevan
. - -
humorously said, "Haven't you told me that you have fallen in love with the
virgins Truth and Benevolence? I don't even think of the women loved by
another person" (268; vol.2). Vantiyattevan said that benevolence died long
back. But Alviirkka!iyim retorted, "When I am alive how can benevolence
die?" (283; vo1.2). He meant humorously that he was the embodiment of
benevolence.

The Cola people did not like the petty kings who were conspiring against
the Cola dynasty. Their aversion towards the conspirators is humorously
brought out by Kalki through the words of a blacksmith. The blacksmith was
beating a red hot iron with a hammer. While beating he exclained, "This
[beating] is for Periya Paluve!!araiyar! This is for Cinnappaluve~araiyar! This

-
beating is for Campuvaraiyar! This for Malavaraiyar!" (109; vol.3). The serious
.

mood of the blacksmith is not lost in spite of the humour in it. Another instance
T
of humour by characters follows:
 - - c - - - - - - - - - - ... - - - - - - - - - - - -

185

Vantiyattevan "Madam, You can crown whomever you like. I don't

want it [Crown]"

Nantini . "Why?"

Vantiyatteva!.! "Many have told me about the beauty of my curling

hair. I do not want to spoil its beauty by wearing that

crown". (299; vol.3)

Sometimes the hero also becomes humorous. Centa!.! Amutag informed

. - -
Arulmolivarman that Kotumpalur Princess and Piiiikulali wanted to join
- "" -
Buddhism and become nuns. Arulmoli commented, "Just two people, Amuta!

There won't be any loss to Saivism because of that!" (363; vol.3).

As in CivakZi.miyi!J:. Capatam even majestic or prominent characters

indulge in humour. Kantamarag told Prince Atitta Karikalan that Vantiyattevan.

had stabbed him _in the back once. The Prince laughed and quipped,

"Kantamara! Do you say that Vantiyattevan stabbed you in your back? Why

did you show him your back?" (94; vol.4). Conspirators Ravitacan and

.. -
Tevaralan stood surpirsed when they saw the huge figure of Paluvettaraiyar
- ·-
appear before them suddenly in the winter darkness. Then Paluve!1_araiyar said,

"I am the elder brother ofYama!! [the God ofDealth]" (87; vol.5).

Sometimes the second hero ridiculed women in a playful manner.

Karikalan
- saved Nantini .
- and Manimekalai from a tiger by wounding it. The
wounded animal escaped. Vantiyattevag remarked, "I am surpirsed to know

r how the tiger which was caught in between these two people [Nantigi and

Manimekalai] escaped alive!" (351; vo1.4) .

•
 186

Minor characters too have-a sense of humour. The following passage is

an example:

Kuntavai asked, "What is the use of consulting astrology,

astrologer?"

Astrologer replied, "Madam! Why do you talk like this? If people like
.. - you do not consult astrology, how can we people
[astrologers] survive?". (677; voL5)
('. ,_

Even laymen speak humorously. Prince Aru!mo!jvanna~ was staying at

N;kappattinam Buddha Vihar secretly. There was a rumour that the Buddhilst
monks were trying to conve1i him into Buddhism. So the public surrounded
the Vihar and demanded that the monks should deliver their Prince to them.

Otherwise they would demolish the Vihar. But the Accariya monk said that he
loved the Prince like the Cola people and assured them that no harm would be
done to him. Immediately a layman retorted, "That is why we are afraid. We

are afraid that your love will grow abundant and you will tonsure our Prince's
head, make him wear saffron clothes and make him a Buddhist monk!" (28;

voL5).

Villains too have a sense of humour. This is obvious from the following
conversation :

Ravitacan "Idiot! What did you do! Did you leave him not doing
anything? Couldn't you have thrown a stone on his
head?"
 187

Tevaralan
• ·-6 "You do not know about the head of Pa!uve!taraiym!_.
If a stone is dropped on his head, only the stone will
break into pieces!" (78; vol.S)

Thus Scott and Kalki have proved themselves good humorists. Their
humour makes us laugh heartily. It does not offend anybody. In Scott's novels
mostly minor characters provide humour. In Kalki's novels minor as well as
prominent characters speak in a humourous vein.

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