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.
この記事は Harper's Bazaar India の April 2019 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Harper's Bazaar India の April 2019 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Healthy Hair, Do Care
Haircare in India has evolved to include weekly champis and extensive in-clinic rituals in equal measure.
LUXURY OASIS
The Elitaire club in The Leela Ambience, Gurugram, is a sanctuary of refined elegance and privileged access.
PEP TALK
The powerhouse ingredient, peptide, could be your ticket to luscious lips.
WHAT IS ORAL SUNSCREEN?
An exploration into the potential breakthrough in sun protection.
FACE FORWARD
Injectable moisturisers are skincare's latest saviours. Bazaar India investigates its rising popularity and whether it's truly as effective as it's made out to be.
SHINING LEGACY
Charlotte Tilbury talks about leading the first female-founded brand to partner with the Fi Academy, shares her beauty secrets, and narrates tales from her journey to stardom.
LOVE POTION
Beauty rituals, steeped in tradition, are undergoing a metamorphosis for younger generations, and helping them reconnect with their roots.
POWER DRESSING
Runway shows and strong campaigns are probably the best ways to reflect the shift in society and talk about issues that matter.
UNDER THE ARMOUR
The mob wife is an official goodbye to girlhood. But the loud aesthetic conceals a dark underbelly.
ALIA UNPLUGGED
The evolution of the versatile actor has been steady and solid. She opens up to Bazaar India about what the future of Bollywood looks like, the legacy she would like to create, and how she cancels out the noise.