Character sketch of Madhavan

The role played by Madhavan in the story- O Chandumenon’s Indulekha is a novel that tells the
story of a joint family. The novel starts with a serious discussion about a quarrel that Madhavan,
the hero had with his karanavar, panchumenon concerning the education of a junior member of
the family. Madhavan argues that Shinnan, the child, should get a proper education. The
karanavar in the family is not pleased with the way Madhavan reacted to this particular
incident. Madhavan’s uncle Sankaramenon is correcting Madhavan’s behaviour towards the
karanavar. But Madhavan is saying that if he makes a statement that is just how can it annoy
him. Throughout the chapter, we can see Madhavan as a courageous character who is not afraid
to speak his mind openly. He spoke against the injustice his maternal uncle showed to Kummini
Amma’s family. His uncle was not willing to send Shinnan for English education, but Madhavan
was determined to get him educated. This shows how much he valued education
Character sketch: Madhavan is the central character of the novel Indulekha by O.
Chandumenon. The character exhibits a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity in his
beliefs. He is a brilliant and extraordinarily good-looking young man. He is well-educated in
both English and Sanskrit. He had passed both FA and BA in first class. He had also acquired a BL
degree. He had never failed to clear exams in the very first attempt. He also acquired first class
in his BL degree. In addition, he won prizes in various competitions at school and received
several awards and scholarships for higher studies. Every one of Madhavan’s teachers was
convinced that there had never been a student more accomplished than him. He had a good
physique also. He was a man of wit, intelligence, learning, courage and courtesy. His body was
the colour of pure gold. He had nurtured his body with daily exercise. His limbs and chest were
neither too stocky nor too lean and seemed cast in coppery gold. His height was above average.
His kuduma could reach up to his ankle if not knotted in the head. He had a glowing face.
Overall he had a charming figure. All the Europeans who met him were charmed by his
appearance and they quickly became his friends. Madhavan was glad that he had a good
reputation at a young age. He was never unethical in his behaviour. He was very skilled in using
English. He also excelled at English games like lawn tennis and cricket. He had tried hunting at
such a young age inspired by his father.
In conclusion, Madhavan portrayed by O. Chandumenon emerges as a character of substance
and complexity. His looks go along with a rich inner world influenced by tradition, modernity,
and the balance between societal and personal expectations. Through Madhavan, O. Chandu
Menon takes readers into the complex world of 19th-century Kerala, where people deal with
changing times.