Throughout history, women in Bharat have excelled as mathematicians, philosophers, and scholars of Vedic literature, challenging the notion that feminism and gender equality are Western imports.
Is feminism just a western, left and woke concept of looking at gender in binaries? In the Bharatiya construction, feminism is as old as our civilization itself. That is 8,000 years as carbon dating has proved and the concept of Mother Goddess is the idea of gender as balance and harmony in a nature-centric cosmos and not a binary in opposition to, in an anthropocentric world. These stories need to be retold, reimagined and reconstructed. These stories and the female characters especially became the victims of patriarchy, reducing them to convenient embodiments of conventionality, making them mind-blowingly retrograde. Despite their powerful individual stories, the women characters from our mythology have been largely ignored. Sadly, it is this prejudiced interpretation of mythology that has in a way shaped our concepts about the women of our society. But we can use these same stories to deconstruct these forgotten or distorted characters, employ them as a creative device to question and contest these very stereotypes.
For decades, many Indians have dismissed our culture and history in pursuit of recognition from the West. Dismissing our history and culture as self-loathing has caused historical amnesia, and coupled with willful ignorance, it has plagued India’s understanding of its civilizational past. Some of this ignorance may be benign, but much is deliberate and malicious, leading to a negative view of our cultural heritage. The idea of the rule of the people or the concept of justice and gender equality is not exclusive to the West. Even more erroneous to believe that the world was ignorant of such concepts until they were introduced by Western thinkers. India and many other civilizations have long grappled with these ideas and significantly contributed to their development.
FEMINISM IN ANCIENT INDIA
India had a rich tradition of Nari Shakti manifesting themselves through merit and courage, challenging the evils and wrongs in the system. Draupadi (or Panchali) in Mahabharata stands out as an original feminist figure in Indian history, known for her unyielding defiance. She emerges as a symbol of resilience amidst egregious indignity. Yet, she is not the sole exemplar of feminism within Indian culture. Sita, from the Ramayana, also embodies feminist ideals, albeit in a more nuanced manner. As one of the earliest examples of a single mother, Sita challenges traditional gender roles, although her character is often viewed through a more conformist lens.
As such, the notion of women breaking glass ceilings in ancient India was not an exception but the norm. Throughout history, women have excelled as mathematicians, philosophers, and scholars of Vedic literature, challenging the notion that feminism and gender equality are Western imports. It is both appalling and demeaning to suggest that India had to borrow these concepts from the West. Instead, India’s rich cultural heritage boasts a long tradition of strong, empowered women who have contributed significantly to society, underscoring the fallacy of such assertions.
DRAUPADI, THE FEMINIST
Draupadi, a figure entrenched within the rich tapestry of Indian history, society, and consciousness, embodies an intriguing complexity. She epitomizes a duality symbolic of the human experience: at once womanly, compassionate, and generous, yet capable of standing up for herself against those who wrong her. The indignity inflicted upon Draupadi during the Mahabharata was a harrowing episode that reverberated throughout Mahabharata and Indian society and history thereafter. Her defiance in the face of such adversity offers several consequential takeaways. Firstly, her vocal condemnation of the injustice she endured was unprecedented. In the royal court, where she was wronged, Draupadi fearlessly confronted the elders and noblemen, piercing through their silence with a resounding call for accountability. Remarkably, she did so not with vitriol or obscenity but with masterful articulation steeped in sarcasm and irony. Through her words, she skillfully underscored the hypocrisy of their allegiance to King Dhritarashtra and Prince Duryodhana, juxtaposed against their moral and ethical duties. Draupadi’s courageous interrogation of their misplaced loyalties resonates as a timeless reminder of the importance of moral integrity over blind obedience.
Secondly, Draupadi’s words and actions are a poignant reflection of Indian culture and society, remarkably when it veers onto a misguided path of unjust behaviour. Amid societal turmoil, she emerges as a beacon of rectification, boldly confronting wrongdoing and advocating for justice. Thus, it was not just male figures who sought to bring change in society in a positive manner; women also made invaluable contributions. Draupadi’s refusal to remain silent in the face of such transgressions underscores her role as a societal redeemer, committed to steering her community towards the path of righteousness.
Thirdly, Draupadi’s defiance extends beyond the personal realm to challenge broader gender hierarchies. Her anger, courage, and unwavering determination serve as a powerful resistance against the objectification of women. She turned her traumatic episode into the manifestation of Nari Shakti, showcasing her indomitable spirit and resilience in the face of adversity. Finally, Draupadi’s story exemplifies the active role of women in shaping history and society. Her ordeal is pivotal, shedding light on the broader injustices women face and delineating the line between good and evil. Her steadfast refusal to accept her fate becomes a rallying cry for gender equity, inspiring others to assert their rights and demand justice. As Lord Krishna also elucidates, Draupadi’s episode transcends the individual concerns of the Pandavas; it was about the broader concerns of women and upholding Dharma in society. Draupadi’s narrative thus offers a tale of personal triumph and a compelling catalyst for societal transformation.
STILL RELEVANT
In contemporary society, echoes of Draupadi’s struggle persist. The pervasive fear of women who assert their rights continues to permeate sections of society. Draupadi is often reduced to simplistic associations with polyandry or public humiliation, obscuring the profound significance of her narrative. This reluctance to confront Draupadi’s true legacy mirrors a broader societal hesitance to address entrenched issues of domestic violence, abuse, and gender inequality. Despite notable strides made by some women across various domains, the persistent prevalence of these issues underscores the urgent need for societal introspection and reform.
It’s a feminist civilization where the triumph of the feminine is celebrated during Dussehra and the most powerful portfolios are with female Gods in Indra’s cabinet, and to top it all, male Gods are named after their spouses—Sitapati, Umapati and Lakshmipati. In celebrating Draupadi’s courage and resilience, we pay homage to her as a quintessential symbol of women’s strength and acknowledge her as a potent catalyst for societal transformation. By doing so, we honour Draupadi’s legacy and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.
Prof Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit is the Vice-Chancellor of JNU.