3 Review(s)

Did Sita have a duplicate who was abducted by Ravana? Did Rama have a sister? Was Kaikeyi genuinely a cruel and obstinate stepmother? How did Vedavati avenge her humiliation in the guise of Sita? Women play an integral role in Indian mythology, and the Ramayana is no exception. Whether it be popular ones such as Sita and Mandodari or obscure ones such as Sulochana and Shanta, these phenomenal female characters have been constantly attempting to bring about a transformation in the status of women in the contemporary era through their distinct and unusual ways. Time and again, the Ramayana has been executing the pedagogical method of preaching us on something through its antithesis. For instance, esteem and regard for women are taught via Ravana, who disrespects and molests women. With their rock-strong grit, indefatigable qualities, and innate charisma, these female characters are teaching women to be more than just good wives and daughters-in-law through antithetical means. They are teaching us that within each woman resides the Goddess (Devi) and to attain Saraswati (wisdom), Lakshmi (wealth), and Shakti (authority) one has to first respect women who are indeed manifestations of these divine female entities. So fasten yourself and let this title bring forward the folk variants and retellings of the stories of these phenomenal women into mainstream narration for you.