The Original Feminist

There’s a lot to learn from Sita’s journey. Two acclaimed authors show us why she continues to be inspiring.

IF INDIANS WERE ASKED to name the most important female character from our myths, the majority would think immediately of Sita. She stands at the forefront of our imagination, epitomising Indian womanhood. But for many, the name conjures up a docile personality, beautiful but fragile and endangered, in need of proper male protection—an image that has been imprinted into us through decades of calendar art and popular serials.

Be like Sita, girls are told. Translation: Accept the troubles that are a part of female destiny; don’t make waves.

But Sita is far stronger than we have given her credit for. My goal in making her the heroine and narrator of my new novel The Forest of Enchantments is to highlight the qualities that make her immensely contemporary, a guiding light for today’s woman.

Consider Sita’s words and actions at three crucial moments of her life, and this will become clear.

The first occurs in Ayodhya, when Ram decides that he must spend 14 years in the forest to fulfil his father’s promise. Sita, he declares, must stay in Ayodhya, where it is safe, and take care of her in-laws. But Sita refuses. Courageously and frankly, she informs Ram that she loves him and needs to go with him. No matter how much opposition she faces, she stands firm—and prevails. Many women today will relate to Sita’s decision to leave home and experience the unknown world side-by-side with the man she loves.