What comes to your mind when you hear the name Sita?
Ram’s wife who got kidnapped by Raavan? Or the name you always used in school while making up sentences and stories which had a girl in it?
Fortunately, Amish’s book highlights much more about the mythological character, who is usually epitomized as the “perfect wife”.
While reading a book or watching a movie or a show, I have a habit of paying close attention towards the portrayal of women in them. Most of the times, it reflects the condition of women in that period, and sometimes, the creator attempts to propagate their idea of it.
The male and female are like the two wings of a bird and when both wings are reinforced with the same impulse, the bird of humanity will be enabled to soar heaven-ward to the summit of progress.
– Abdu’l-Baha, Divine Philosophy, p. 82.
I would like to believe that Amish is attempting to propagate the above philosophy, among many others, through his book Sita: The Warrior of Mithila. It is the second book of the Ram Chandra Series, published by Westland Publications in 2017.
The current book narrates the life of Sita, an individual, a princess, a Prime Minister and a Vishnu. She is as capable as Ram, who is in awe of her because of her qualities, and they get married for love.
I highly appreciate the reflection of feminism in the book. Ram and Sita, and also the other characters, believe that they can be equal partners. They believe that they together can inspire the nation and bring back its glory. Both man and woman, can together, be the Vishnu.
Women are not mere props in the book and they are not discriminated against, almost anywhere. If they are capable, they are allowed to rule. Other major female characters such as Sita’s mother, Sunaina, the slum dweller, Samichi and also Sita’s friend, Radhika, the trader Manthara, are shown as individuals who are not discriminated against because of their gender and are at good positions in the administration. Even Urmila, Sita’s sister, who is shown as a delicate girl, chooses to live as a housewife. It was not forced upon her.
The beauty about feminism is that it is not about glorification of women and bashing of men. It is about treating both the genders equally and giving equal rights and freedom to both.
This book, quite ingeniously, displays the philosophy. The male characters in the book are not belittled or used as props. They are shown as equally efficient and possess freedom of choice, for example, King Janak chooses to pay more attention to philosophy rather than administration.
Also, the first book of the series, “Ram- The Scion of Ikshvaku” narrated the early life of the Ayodhya prince in a similar, brilliant manner.
Another part of the story which got etched in my mind is the conversation between Bharat and Sita, wherein they discuss the Masculine way of life and the Feminine way of life. The words are not related to gender but different ideologies. Here, Sita talks in favour of the Masculine way of life, which has rigid rules and there is more certainty.
On the other hand, Bharat supports the Feminine way of life, in which there is an underlying belief that people are capable of finding a balance on their own. There are rules, but people possess freedom to choose and also change them, and this freedom helps them find a balance. (Reading the book will help you get a better understanding).
The book, efficiently, represents many opposing views, ideas and philosophies, and shows how people think and choose, and what can be their consequences.
After reading this page-turner, I am eagerly waiting for the third book of the series- Raavan: Orphan of Aryavarta, and how all the incidents of the three books will culminate in the untitled fourth book.
The best part about Amish’s books is the realistic touch he gives to mythological characters, who are supposed to possess supernatural powers, due to which they are revered as Gods. Amish taught me that anyone can become great due to their abilities, Karma and a belief in themselves. His books made me believe in myself.
Will return with more musings soon. Till then, don’t cry over dead onions.
Adieu.
P.S. None of my write-ups are paid. I am not that popular,yet. 😛
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