Like the protagonists of Khushwant Singh’s novel, Train To Pakistan, Kali and Poona, were two bodies, but one soul. Because according to them, without a child, they are incomplete.

The story is not only interesting, but at the same time it also tells us about the moral degradation of the society which constantly ensured mental harassment of a couple. The title of the book is also inspired by the latter. But for that Kali’s wife would have to sleep with an unknown man during the chariot festival of the half-female god, Maadhorubaagan. In fact, the place where both of them were born and brought up has an ancient way through which they can get a child. And the vicious struggle which they endured from society, their near, and dear ones, because of their childlessness.

One Part Woman, is the story of a childless couple by the name of Kali and Poona. What is One Part Woman by Perumal Murugan? And the author of this novel talks about it with his own way of story telling. In fact, some of the practices related to love-making are even practiced till today in different parts of the country. Even the Pandavas were born through Niyog. According to this tradition the man who was appointed must be or would most likely be a revered person within the society. Niyoga or Niyog is an ancient Indian tradition, in which a woman (whose husband is either impotent or has died without having a child) would request and appoint a person for helping her conceive a child. Especially for those who aren’t aware about the ancient Indian concept of niyog and other similar practices. And some of these surreal traditions can be mind-boggling for some people. There so many wonders to talk about, India, one of the oldest civilizations of the world. But, there are some examples of the age-old traditions which in today’s world of the so-called morality, would be labelled as immoral. One Part Woman, and that part reminds the people of the land of Kamasutra, that though the word sex is taboo within the society.

One part woman by perumal murugan