Aiswarya CV
Research Intern
Azim Premji University
Bengaluru, Karnataka (India)
Abstract
In India, mythology played a significant role in shaping the everyday life of Indians. Although it is highly debatable whether inherited traditions are positive or negative, it is undeniable that mythology has a repressive impact on women’s status. Because patriarchy was justified in mythology, it gained social acceptance and caused women to unconsciously accept their subordination. This is especially true in the case of fidelity/pathivritya (loyalty towards the husband). Mandodari is usually lauded for her stoic loyalty towards Ravan, which is nothing more than a toxic relationship. She is regarded as one of the Pancha Kanya, the five ideal women from ancient Indian literature, and her devotion is ideal in the Hindu community. It had a direct or indirect impact on the so-called idea of sarvamsaha, a character obligated to bear all social suf ering and requiring women to put up with all dif iculties without complaining. The paper attempts to draw comparisons between events in Mandodari’s life as Ravan’s wife in the Ramayana and her oppressive blind fidelity to the current state of Indian society.
