What makes Ramayana 'curiously modern'
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- Devdutt Pattanaik
- TIMESOFINDIA.COMUpdated: Jan 22, 2024, 13:48 IST IST
Our interpretation of Ram changed over the centuries and even now there are versions of the Ramayana that are popular in different regions
Ramayana is a curiously modern book, because it deals with CONSENT. Both male and female. Shurpanakha, a 'demon' woman, wants to have intimacy with Ram, against his consent, but she is shoved away, unfortunately with resort to violence.
Ravan, Shurpanakha’s brother, wants to have intimacy with Sita against her consent. A curse prevents him from having his way, so he seeks to compel her consent by abduction and intimidation.
Ravan, Shurpanakha’s brother, wants to have intimacy with Sita against her consent. A curse prevents him from having his way, so he seeks to compel her consent by abduction and intimidation.