strength, pride you are again push- ing her into the world of darkness and sorrow where a woman’s body is given more importance than her spirit thus making her a commodity yet again. And Hindu woman raped by a Muslim? Out of question! Shame is doubled instantly and death is advocated as the best op- tion. Remember the same Rajput community would commit atroci- ties over their women and people; give away their daughters in mar- riage to powerful kings in exchange of their own survival! Not that there is anything wrong with intra-com- munity marriages. But it is the double standard that is utterly shameful. When the rich and powerful embrace such twisted and false cul- tural prejudices equating themwith pride of a community, it is trickled down to the masses and embraced by all and sundry and eventually becomes a ritual. It’s a historical fact that Rajputs (who according to the census consti- tute only about three percent of In- dian population) lacked war skills and were easily defeated by the more innovative, stunning military and war strategies of the Muslim in- vaders. While only upper castes could become captains of the Hindu army, Muslim kings would encour- age strength and skill to rise in the hierarchy irrespective of their caste or religion. Hence many skillful commoners including Hindus could rise to the top of the rung in Muslim army whereas it was impossible amongst Hindu armies. In addition, Rajputs were lazy and spoiled. They had several in-fights and many plot- ted against one another to defeat their own clan members. That they gave away many of their daughters
Horror stories of Sati where women were drugged, tied and poked and forced down on the pyre with sticks to keep them burning live are well documented facts
ning away from a raging fire of Sati are well documented facts) are lauded as “bravery,” “honor” “pride (sic),” not only of the women killed but of an entire community and now to overall Hinduism, is alarming. It is shameful to say the least and undermines the hardships and work done by feminists and women’s rights’ activists. Centuries of turbulent, tear-filled brave fights against prejudice and abuse is being brought down in a jiffy in the name of ‘honor.’ Such outrages over woman’s “honor” is unnerving be- cause it equates “honor and brav- ery” with a “pure” body. Rape and sexual assault yet again become a victim’s problem and ‘loss of “honor,”and hence death’ equation is peddled as a better choice than living with this bodily “stigma.” Symbolic interpretations are im- portant to any community’s social structure. But by making Sati and Jauhar symbols of woman’s bravery,
Christ’s life and even the Ramayana were interpreted in several ways by many authors so far. An artist eye travels to places where even the Sun cannot, they say. The thrill of any such creative conflict otherwise would be missing and movies and stories would become religious cer- emonies. However, what bothers me more is neither of the above-mis- placed narratives but a more per- ilous and preeminent third one that has the potential to set a dangerous precedent for us women now, in 21st century. In this age and gener- ation to where women have trav- elled through decades fighting inequality, sexism, abuse and rape, to view Jauhar and/or Sati , where women are forced in the name of culture and tradition to commit sui- cide (horror stories of Sati where women were drugged, tied and poked and forced down on the pyre with sticks to keep them from run-
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School Special 2017
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