The Role Of Women In Valmiki's Ramayana

In Valmiki’s Ramayana, Rama’s treatment of his wife Sita zigzags as his honor is threatened, therefore turning sour when he is obligated to challenge his wife’s chastity. One of the first interactions between Sita and Rama occurs after Rama has been asked to go into exile, in which he explains that “the forest is not a place for a princess like [Sita]” (Ramayana Book 2, Page 1182). This exchange exemplifies how Rama views women as weak in the face of danger, even if he does care for her and does not wish harm upon her. Often, it is the man’s role to take care of his wife, no matter the situation. In this piece of literature, Rama is believed to display true strength when he attempts to keep his wife under a safety net instead of at his side. When Rama searches for Sita after she is …show more content…
When Laksmana and Rama are in the forest, Rama tells his brother that he should not have left Sita alone in their home (Ramayana Book 3, Page 1198). After Rama failed to convince Sita to remain in the palace, Sita was kidnapped in his hermitage. In this situation, he is faced with losing his honor, his wife, and his mind. Sita’s kidnapping is the catalyst for Rama’s desperate fight for his reputation and for his love. When Rama later questions Sita’s chastity, Sita asks him, “How could I prevent my body from being touched when I was helpless and under another person’s control?” (Ramayana Book 6, Page 1229) The woman brings to light how Rama is more concerned with his honor than with her wellbeing even when she had no choice in being kidnapped. In this predicament, Rama is satisfied with the return of Sita but is ashamed that Sita carries baggage that could tarnish his perfect image. The struggle that both Rama and Sita faced throughout Rama’s exile and the kidnapping reveals their true characters and highlights how society exalts