Marshall University does not ban books! The information is provided to let people know what has been banned/challenged elsewhere.
2017
India’s Madras High Court refused to ban the novel, which has been the target of public protests including a book burning in 2015. Right-wing nationalists from the author’s native state of Tamil Nadu were offended at the historical novel’s depiction of a fertility ceremony formerly practiced in the village of Tiruchengode, whereby women unable to conceive children with their husbands could try with another man in the context of an annual Hindu festival. Although Murugan is Tamil himself and a respected scholar of the region’s history and culture, the would-be censors claimed that he “defamed Tiruchengode town and the womenfolk and the community.” In its decision, the court offered an easy non-judicial solution for those troubled by the novel: “if you do not like a book, simply close it. The answer is not its ban.”
2015
Various Hindu political organizations in New Delhi (India) have demanded a ban on the Tamil writer's novel. They allege the novel portrays the Kailasanathar temple in Tiruchengode and women devotees in a "bad light." Madhorubhagan tells the tale of a childless couple, Kali and Ponna. Their predicament is discussed in the backdrop of the "traditional free, consensual sex rituals" during the festival of the temple. After receiving threats and abuse, the author has sought police protection for himself and his family. In turn, various Hindu political organizations have called for the arrest of both the author and the publisher.
On These Pages
A Banned book has been removed from a library, classroom, etc.
A Challenged book has been requested to be removed from a library, classroom, etc.
For additional information contact
Ron Titus, titus@marshall.edu
304-696-6575
Last updated
July 18, 2017