Feminist Reading of Indian Epics: Exploring Sita and Draupadi Through
the Current Perception
Article Details
Pub. Date
:
Dec, 2013
Product Name
:
The IUP Journal of English Studies
Product Type
:
Article
Product Code
:
IJES81312
Author Name
:
Hetal M Doshi
Availability
:
YES
Subject/Domain
:
English Studies
Download Format
:
PDF Format
No. of Pages
:
5
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Abstract
Recent debate on the situation of women in Indian society has roused wrath among the elite of the nation. It is disheartening to know that women are molested, raped and abused even in the 21st century. Equality, right, liberty and freedom are words unknown to nearly half the population of women. In this turbulent time, it is imperative for a layman to know the history and modern discernment of feminism in India. This paper is an attempt to portray the feminist history in India from a common man’s perspective. Women are expected to cherish values like obedience, self-denial, exterminate the ego, prioritize the family and live life with a sole aim of looking after the children. Unlike Western females, Indian women do not emphasize independence and autonomy. Despite such acquiescence and submission, instances of oppression and exploitation of women are increasing day by day. The paper attempts to evaluate the cause of women’s sufferings since the mythological era. The paper endeavors to discuss that male domination was not always the root cause for the plight of females. Equality can only be achieved by broadening the psychosomatic horizons of both the genders.
Description
Feminism has risen as a result of male domination and women’s oppression. Like any other change, initially feminism was shown cold shoulders. But gradually, the movement for equal rights for men and women was accepted by the elite of the nation. They realized that treating women as an object had led the society to decay. The oppression of women was one of the prime reasons for the diminishing marriage institution and the crumbling values of the balanced society. The dominating males of the society had always granted only subordinate status to women. Women have suffered immensely due to their sex. The present paper tries to analyze the benefits feminist movement has brought to the society in general and women in particular. This paper also makes an attempt to see the sufferings of Sita and Draupadi through the lens of modern perception of womanhood.
The paper strives to explore some fundamental questions like—Is feminism relevant in modern time? Were Sita and Draupadi really the victims of a patriarchal society? Has feminist movement done more good or bad to the society? And above all, do we need feminism now when women have already earned equality with men?
Keywords
English Studies Journal, Feminist Reading, Indian Epics, Exploring Sita and Draupadi, Indian society, obedience, self-denial, exterminate the ego, prioritize the family, live life with children, Feminist Movement in India, Feminism in India.
