Drawing Parallels: The Women of Mahabharata
As I delved into my daughter’s project exploring the women of the Mahabharata, I found a profound relevance in their stories that transcends time. These women weren’t mere bystanders; they wielded remarkable agency and strength, leaving behind invaluable life lessons that echo through the ages.
In an era where women’s voices resonate louder than ever, the tales of the Mahabharata’s female protagonists aren’t relics of the past; they echo the strength and resilience that define today’s women.
As we navigate modern challenges, the unwavering spirit of Draupadi, the sacrificial wisdom of Kunti, the profound loyalty of Gandhari, the adaptive pragmatism of Satyavati, the value of steadfast friendships shown by Draupadi and Krishna, and Subhadra’s defiance of norms all serve as guiding lights.
Strength and Resilience: Women in the Mahabharata, like Draupadi, exemplify resilience and inner strength amid adversity. Similarly, today’s women often display remarkable resilience in facing challenges and overcoming obstacles..  Malala Yousafzai stands as a symbol of resilience and strength, surviving a targeted attack by the Taliban and continuing her advocacy for girls’ education globally.
Agency and Independence: Characters like Kunti and Gandhari made significant decisions independently. This mirrors the contemporary trend where women increasingly assert their agency in personal and professional spheres. Kamala Harris, the first female Vice President of the United States, exemplifies agency and independence through her political career, breaking barriers for women in leadership roles.
Balancing Roles: Just as Satyavati managed familial complexities, modern women often navigate multiple roles, balancing career, family, and personal aspirations. Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, managed a successful corporate career while navigating familial responsibilities, showcasing the balancing act that many modern women undertake.
Voice and Advocacy: Draupadi’s unwavering voice against injustice and her fight for dignity resonate with women today advocating for their rights and equality. Tarana Burke, the founder of the #MeToo movement, demonstrates the power of a vocal advocate, fighting against sexual harassment and supporting survivors globally.
Educational Pursuits: Kunti’s commitment to educating her sons parallels the contemporary emphasis on women’s education, empowering them to pursue their aspirations. A woman embodying a commitment to educational pursuits is Malaika Vaz, an environmentalist and adventurer from India who is known for her efforts in raising awareness about environmental issues, especially among the youth.
Adaptability and Change: Gandhari’s adaptation to unforeseen circumstances and her strength in adversity mirrors the adaptability of women today, facing dynamic societal changes. Greta Thunberg similarly showcases adaptability in her advocacy for climate change action, adapting her approach to reach global audiences and ignite change across generations.
Sisterhood and Support: The bond between Draupadi and her female companions echoes the importance of sisterhood and support networks among women in modern times. The #GirlLove campaign by Lilly Singh promotes sisterhood and support among women, encouraging positivity and lifting each other in a world that often pits women against one another.
However, it’s crucial to note that while parallels exist, the socio-cultural contexts differ vastly between the ancient world of the Mahabharata and contemporary society. Women today have more access to education, opportunities, and rights compared to those in ancient times, which significantly shapes their experiences and roles in society. The Mahabharata’s women offer not just lessons but a legacy—an empowering narrative that finds resonance in the lives, struggles, and triumphs of women today.
Their stories aren’t confined to ancient texts but serve as beacons illuminating the path for women today, reminding us that strength, resilience, wisdom, loyalty, adaptability, and the courage to defy norms aren’t just historical virtues—they’re timeless qualities that shape the narrative of every woman’s journey in the present world.
-Roopa Rajesh is a bibliophile, a ‘chai’ophile, and a chocoholic who is passionate about teaching, books, music, family, and friends, and definitely not in that order.
