Rama and Sita From Story Rama Sita,

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 that no woman could remain faithful for so long, reflecting a very negative few of female virtue. 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 but is merely distraught, and only by immolating herself in a fire does she demonstrate that she is pure. "Sita is proven pure by the ordeal by fire. Rama takes her back and they live happily ever after" (Gill 2012). Her story indicates that above all else, fidelity and unquestioning loyalty to one's husband is the ideal for Indian women. It is entirely excusable for men to believe women to be unfaithful, and it is incumbent upon the women to prove that they are good, moral, and faithful or die trying. Sita willingly risks her life so she can be honored as a good woman and wife, while Rama only risks his life in battle and for his kingdom. For Rama, the public sphere is where he proves himself, for Sita it is at home. The more Sita is punished, the more she demonstrates her nobility.