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 color 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.

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

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.