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Rama and Sita
From story Rama Sita, infer early Indian family life social relations? What Sita's words actions women's roles Indian society time? Reference Book: A History World Societies, Eighth Edition, Vol1 By:
From the story of Rama and Sita, what can you infer about early Indian family life and social relations? What do Sita's words and actions indicate about women's roles in Indian society at the time?
The story of Rama and Sita suggests the ideal virtues of men and women in traditional Indian culture were conceptualized in very different ways. Rama wins the hand of Sita through a feat of physical prowess, underlining his masculinity and strength. Her passivity and femininity mark her as a great gift to be given to a man. When Rama is exiled, Sita follows him unquestioningly. During Rama's exile, Sita is kidnapped in the woods by Ravana, but she steadfastly remains loyal to Rama for many years, despite Ravana's entreaties that she submit to him.
After Rama's return to the throne, despite her fidelity, ugly rumors begin to circulate about Sita because of her captivity by another man. It is alleged...
Rather than condemning those who question the chastity of his wife, Rama instead casts Sita out into the woods, even though she is pregnant with his children. "Like Ruth, the story of Sita contains a threefold initial crisis: dynastic disorder, exile, and the kidnapping of Sita by Ravana. Sita is faithful and praised for it [her loyalty], even by her mother-in-law" but this is not enough to satisfy Rama (Gill 2012).
Sita, as a woman, is shown to be potentially blameworthy simply by possessing sexual attractiveness towards men. What makes her so desirable by Rama also makes her suspect. She must prove her fidelity to Rama, even though Rama acts callously towards her. Even giving birth to sons is not enough: "Although Sita has been faithful, she is the object of rumor. Rama rejects her twice. She then gives birth to twin sons in the forest" (Gill 2012). She is exiled much like Rama was exiled, but her exile and her husband's jealously is portrayed as, if not just, then at least understandable.
Sita does not blame Rama…
References
Gill, A.S. (2012). Rama and Sita. About.com. Retrieved:
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/indusvalleyrel/tp/102410-Rama-And-Sita.htm
McKay, Hill, Buckler, Ebrey, Beck, Crowston, & Wiesner-Hanks. A history of world societies,
Eighth Edition.
Role of women in ancient India. (2012). History Tuition. Retrieved: http://www.historytuition.com/position_of_women_in_ancient_india/2500b.c-1500b.c.html
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