Spring 2018 Indian Epics

"Sita Vanavasa" Sita in Exile, Ravi Varma Image Source: Wikimedia Commons Guilty until proven innocent seems to be fairly common in the world of the Ramayana, and treatment of females is no exception. Following her lengthy rescue, she is basically rebuffed by Rama and told only his honor is important. In fact, not until she literally walks through fire unconsumed will anyone take her purity seriously. Rama may be the divine embodiment of the just and perfect man, but his priorities are very clear: God(s) and country. Later, he basically tosses her out like garbage because he realizes that gossip is spreading in his kingdom. While the issue of gossip and the people's view of their ruler is important, could there not be a slightly more humane way to approach this issue? Something that shows that slander should not dictate the actions of a ruler? I read the final stories realizing that something, for me, was definitely missing. There is such a bittersweet el...

Steeth teeth worn by Richard Kiel as the killer Jaws, The Spy Who Loved Me Image Source: Wikimedia Commons Iron-toothed and iron-jawed: Vajradanshtra and Vajranhanu The picture of two generals both possessing either teeth or jaw of iron brings almost a cyberpunk aspect to this section of the Ramayana for me. Were they injured in battle, resulting in iron implants? Were they part-Vajra, born with iron instead of teeth and bone? Was one just simply terrible with his dental hygiene? I love the image of these crusty generals both begging Ravana for battle. One presents his mace, and the other is asking to actually eat Ravana's foes. This is dark and bloodthirsty, and could be a fantastic scene in a retelling of the meeting Ravana calls to ask for the advice of his warriors, princes, and chiefs. This could be shown as a war rally, or could just as easily be depicted, as in MacKenzie's retelling, as that of a defeated and desperate regrouping searching for answers and ideas...