Feminist Discussion of The Ramayana

Abstract

The Ramayana and the Mahabharata are two of India’s greatest epics that have influenced the Hindu way of thinking and belief system. The two epics are believed to be partially based on historical events and are considered "itihasa" in Sanskrit, which means historical texts. The Ramayana is an epic story that provides many insights into the values of ideology, duty, relationship and karma. It is known to be part of the sacred literature for the Hindus not only because it speaks of the meaning of life, but it also provides a spiritual meaning and wisdom. Andrew Long, a Scottish poet, novelist, and literary critic, says that "The epics are not only poetry but history, history not of real events, indeed, but of real manners, of a real world, to us otherwise unknown." The Ramayana and its numerous adaptations tell us the same story of Ram and Sita, but except for my state of mind and my spectacles, what is it that changes on every new reading? I’m not talking about the actual frame and pieces of lens, but the feminist lens. A feminist is ‘a person who supports the belief that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men’. But these post-mid-19th century noun insertions and their parameters are increasingly getting used for modern reimaginations of leading lady characters in the Ramayana, like Kaikeyi, Sita, Tara, Surpanakha, or Mandodari. How inspiring are these women as reclaimed icons for contemporary feminism? Can their societies and male counterparts be termed feminists-in-retrospect?