The Goddess as Role Model

Sita and Radha in Scripture and on Screen

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Eastern Religions, Hinduism
Cover of the book The Goddess as Role Model by Heidi R.M. Pauwels, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Heidi R.M. Pauwels ISBN: 9780190451530
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: October 9, 2008
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Heidi R.M. Pauwels
ISBN: 9780190451530
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: October 9, 2008
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

This book seeks to understand the major mythological role models that mark the moral landscape navigated by young Hindu women. Traditionally, the goddess Sita, faithful consort of the god Rama, is regarded as the most important positive role model for women. The case of Radha, who is mostly portrayed as a clandestine lover of the god Krishna, seems to challenge some of the norms the example of Sita has set. That these role models are just as relevant today as they have been in the past is witnessed by the popularity of the televised versions of their stories, and the many allusions to them in popular culture. Taking the case of Sita as main point of reference, but comparing throughout with Radha, Pauwels studies the messages sent to Hindu women at different points in time. She compares how these role models are portrayed in the most authoritative versions of the story. She traces the ancient, Sanskrit sources, the medieval vernacular retellings of the stories and the contemporary TV versions as well. This comparative analysis identifies some surprising conclusions about the messages sent to Indian women today, which belie the expectations one might have of the portrayals in the latest, more liberal versions. The newer messages turn out to be more conservative in many subtle ways. Significantly, it does not remain limited to the religious domain. By analyzing several popular recent and classical hit movies that use Sita and Radha tropes, Pauwels shows how these moral messages spill into the domain of popular culture for commercial consumption.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book seeks to understand the major mythological role models that mark the moral landscape navigated by young Hindu women. Traditionally, the goddess Sita, faithful consort of the god Rama, is regarded as the most important positive role model for women. The case of Radha, who is mostly portrayed as a clandestine lover of the god Krishna, seems to challenge some of the norms the example of Sita has set. That these role models are just as relevant today as they have been in the past is witnessed by the popularity of the televised versions of their stories, and the many allusions to them in popular culture. Taking the case of Sita as main point of reference, but comparing throughout with Radha, Pauwels studies the messages sent to Hindu women at different points in time. She compares how these role models are portrayed in the most authoritative versions of the story. She traces the ancient, Sanskrit sources, the medieval vernacular retellings of the stories and the contemporary TV versions as well. This comparative analysis identifies some surprising conclusions about the messages sent to Indian women today, which belie the expectations one might have of the portrayals in the latest, more liberal versions. The newer messages turn out to be more conservative in many subtle ways. Significantly, it does not remain limited to the religious domain. By analyzing several popular recent and classical hit movies that use Sita and Radha tropes, Pauwels shows how these moral messages spill into the domain of popular culture for commercial consumption.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book European Imperialism: Oxford Bibliographies Online Research Guide by Heidi R.M. Pauwels
Cover of the book Orientalism and Islam: Oxford Bibliographies Online Research Guide by Heidi R.M. Pauwels
Cover of the book The Beauty of the Cross by Heidi R.M. Pauwels
Cover of the book Lethal But Legal by Heidi R.M. Pauwels
Cover of the book Social Movements 2e by Heidi R.M. Pauwels
Cover of the book Miles Davis: Grove Music Essentials by Heidi R.M. Pauwels
Cover of the book Integrative Environmental Medicine by Heidi R.M. Pauwels
Cover of the book Planet Taco:A Global History of Mexican Food by Heidi R.M. Pauwels
Cover of the book The Face of Mammon by Heidi R.M. Pauwels
Cover of the book Catholic Bishops in the United States by Heidi R.M. Pauwels
Cover of the book Women in the Qur'an, Traditions, and Interpretation by Heidi R.M. Pauwels
Cover of the book Leverage for Good by Heidi R.M. Pauwels
Cover of the book Death and the Afterlife by Heidi R.M. Pauwels
Cover of the book Ceremony and Civility by Heidi R.M. Pauwels
Cover of the book Musical Symbolism in the Operas of Debussy and Bartok by Heidi R.M. Pauwels
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy