Published Paper


Voices of Liberation: The Journey to the Self through Dialogue Involga's the Liberation of Sita

Sneha. K.V
India
Page: 1063-1071
Published on: 2024 March

Abstract

The turn of the 21st century has marked a significant shift in the narrative landscape of Indian epics, ushering in an era where stories are being reimagined from perspectives that challenge long-standing patriarchal interpretations. This wave of revisionist storytelling seeks to amplify the voices of characters who have historically been marginalized on the basis of gender, class, and community. Among the most striking instances of this movement is the recontextualization of Sita, a central figure in the Ramayana, whose traditional portrayal has largely been confined to the parameters of female chastity and virtue. Volga's The Liberation of Sita emerges as a seminal work in this domain, transcending the boundaries of feminist revisionist mythology to fundamentally redefine the narrative identity of its protagonist. Rather than perpetuating the image of Sita as a victim of patriarchal constructs, Volga's narrative celebrates her journey towards liberation and self-realization.  This paper explores the transformation of Sita from a character bound by societal expectations and moral trials to one who embodies the essence of pure consciousness. Volga's narrative strategy employs a gynocentric approach that not only contests the master narrative of the Ramayana but also endeavours to decenter established patriarchal ideologies. By focusing on the dialogic encounters between Sita and other marginalized female figures within the epic, including Shurpanakha, Ahalya, Renuka Devi, and Urmila, the text opens up spaces for these submerged voices to reflect upon their lives and experiences, thereby facilitating a collective journey towards empowerment and self-discovery. The study delves into the mechanisms through which dialogue and relational encounters serve as catalysts for Sita's evolving self-perception and her eventual attainment of liberation. It argues that through her interactions with these women, Sita is able to transcend the victimhood imposed upon her by traditional narratives and redefine her identity on her own terms. This process is emblematic of a broader quest for self-definition and autonomy that resonates with contemporary feminist discourses on agency, voice, and liberation. Furthermore, the paper situates The Liberation of Sita within the broader context of feminist revisionist mythologies, examining how Volga's work contributes to the ongoing critique of patriarchal narratives and the construction of alternative female histories. By reimagining Sita's journey as one of self-liberation rather than passive endurance, Volga challenges readers to reconsider the roles and representations of women in myth and society. In conclusion, The Liberation of Sita not only serves as a poignant critique of the traditional portrayal of female characters in Indian epics but also as a beacon of inspiration for the reclamation of agency and the pursuit of self-determination. Through its exploration of dialogue as a means of self-discovery and liberation, this paper highlights the transformative power of narrative in challenging and reshaping societal constructs, offering new pathways for understanding and empowerment.

 

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