Did Sita have a duplicate who was abducted by Ravana? Did Rama have a sister? Was
Kaikeyi genuinely a cruel and obstinate stepmother? How did Vedavati avenge her
humiliation in the guise of Sita?
Women play an integral role in Indian mythology, and the Ramayana is no exception.
Whether it be popular ones such as Sita and Mandodari or obscure ones such as Sulochana
and Shanta, these phenomenal female characters have been constantly attempting to bring
about a transformation in the status of women in the contemporary era through their distinct
and unusual ways. Time and again, the Ramayana has been executing the pedagogical
method of preaching us on something through its antithesis. For instance, esteem and regard
for women are taught via Ravana, who disrespects and molests women.
With their rock-strong grit, indefatigable qualities, and innate charisma, these female
characters are teaching women to be more than just good wives and daughters-in-law through
antithetical means. They are teaching us that within each woman resides the Goddess (Devi)
and to attain Saraswati (wisdom), Lakshmi (wealth), and Shakti (authority) one has to first
respect women who are indeed manifestations of these divine female entities. So fasten
yourself and let this title bring forward the folk variants and retellings of the stories of these
phenomenal women into mainstream narration for you.