Correspondence between Woman and Nature in Indian Thought

Abstract

pervades so many aspects of life and thought that it seems to be one of the basic modes of perception and understanding with regard both to woman and to Nature. An exploration of the forms this comparison has assumed in traditional Indian thought should bring out certain basic attitudes toward woman in India. It may also provide a background for an ampler understanding of the conception of material cause in Indian tradition. The metaphor runs right from the Vedas through the Siitras, Smirtis, Puranas, and literary works of various kinds. In fact, it is found in mythological, literary, and philosophical writings of all varieties. Because the evidence is so ample, it is difficult to decide where to begin. Nevertheless, an attempt in this direction is sure to deepen our understanding of the traditional Indian view regarding woman and her (supposed) essential attributes. Such an analysis can be reasonably expected to shed interesting light on certain basic assumptions of Indian social order. The status and role ascribed to woman determines to a great extent the nature of the family, and the family has undoubtedly been the cornerstone of the whole social structure in India. In different contexts woman is conceived to be comparable to prakrti, maya, and earth. The fact that woman is considered comparable to each of these concepts is not necessarily a disadvantage from the viewpoint of analysis. The concepts are akin, and comparison with each of these illuminates some aspect of the traditional image of woman. Certain fundamental ideas regarding the proper role of woman and her constitution are implicit in the comparison.