Women's Voices in Indian Epics: Between Myth and Reality

Abstract: Indian epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata have shaped the cultural and moral frameworks of Indian society. These texts depict women in different roles, ranging from obedient wives to powerful queens, yet their voices are often silenced or overshadowed by patriarchal society. This paper explores the representation of female characters such as Sita, Draupadi, Mandodari, Gandhari, and Kunti, analyzing their struggles for autonomy and justice. This study examines how these women tackle societal expectations, how their stories have been interpreted through patriarchal lenses, and how contemporary retellings have attempted to reclaim their voices. By comparing ancient texts from a modern feminist perspective, this paper highlights the myth-reality divide and its impact on contemporary gender studies.