Subhadra’s Marriage

Excerpt from Tankavel Vattiyar’s all-night Kattaikkuttu performance

This poignant excerpt explores three profound forms of love: the protective bond of siblings (Krishna and Subhadra), the unshakeable friendship between Krishna and Arjuna, and the romantic love between Subhadra and Arjuna.

Background

The drama begins in the wake of the insult inflicted upon Duryodhana, who wanted to marry Draupadi at her svayamvara but was unable to bend the bow. Arjuna won Draupadi. In a fit of pride, Duryodhana resolves to marry, setting his sights on the beautiful Subhadra, sister of Krishna. He dispatches Vidura to propose on his behalf. However, Subhadra’s heart belongs to Arjuna. Knowing this, Krishna orchestrates a masterful deception. In the meantime, Arjuna sets out in the disguise of a sanyasi (ascetic) on a “pilgrimage”, which involves several romantic escapes ending in marriage.

The Performance

The playful Kattiyakkaran (Clown) attempts to cheer a lovesick Subhadra, only to find her resolute. Krishna enters, announcing that Subhadra must marry the powerful Duryodhana. When Subhadra vows to end her life rather than accept this union, Krishna promises to secure her marriage to Arjuna.

Krishna meets Arjuna-the-sanyasi and reveals Subhadra’s "imminent" wedding to Duryodhana. To test Arjuna’s resolve and to provide a pretext for breaking the agreement with Duryodhana, Krishna demands he perform a thousand toppukkaranams (a rigorous practice in which the devotee crosses his hands to hold the opposite earlobes, then squats and stands repeatedly). The Clown’s comical failure to keep count highlights the absurdity of the situation before Krishna reveals the true nature of the ruse.

Subhadra, though initially wary, recognises Arjuna by his birthmark. With the Clown’s blessing and Krishna’s permission, the couple elopes on Subhadra’s chariot, outwitting Duryodhana once again.

Subhadra Kalyanam stands stylistically as a unique bridge between traditional heroic Kattaikkuttu and musical Isai Natakam. The production is defined by its lyrical Tamil songs and intricate wordplay, which underscore Krishna’s role as a divine trickster guiding fate.