Reading Notes: Nine Ideal Indian Women Part B (Promila)
Promila
This story focuses on Promila, who is a Princess in the Ramayana. Her husband Indrajit must leave their perfect life to avenge his brothers who were slain by Rama and Lakshmana. Promila stays home at first, but then she decides to follow her husband so she can be with him. So, Promila and some of her maids put on armor and carry swords on horseback to make the journey through Rama's camp to get to Indrajit. This was really interesting to me because I have never read an older story that had women in armor and go against their husband's wishes. The author was able to describe Promila as a beautiful lotus flower but still have her sound really strong in character and in spirit. If I recreate this story I want to go more indepth of what Promila looks like, and perhaps even have her say/do some more "masculine" things to drive home how headstrong she is and that women don't have to be the damsel waiting on their husbands from the sidelines. I would also change the ending. Instead of choosing to die with her husband on the pire, I would write it where Promila avenges Indrajit and slays Lakshmana before choosing to end her life to be with Indrajit.
This story focuses on Promila, who is a Princess in the Ramayana. Her husband Indrajit must leave their perfect life to avenge his brothers who were slain by Rama and Lakshmana. Promila stays home at first, but then she decides to follow her husband so she can be with him. So, Promila and some of her maids put on armor and carry swords on horseback to make the journey through Rama's camp to get to Indrajit. This was really interesting to me because I have never read an older story that had women in armor and go against their husband's wishes. The author was able to describe Promila as a beautiful lotus flower but still have her sound really strong in character and in spirit. If I recreate this story I want to go more indepth of what Promila looks like, and perhaps even have her say/do some more "masculine" things to drive home how headstrong she is and that women don't have to be the damsel waiting on their husbands from the sidelines. I would also change the ending. Instead of choosing to die with her husband on the pire, I would write it where Promila avenges Indrajit and slays Lakshmana before choosing to end her life to be with Indrajit.
(Promila riding to Indrajit)
Bibliography: Nine Ideal Indian Women: Sita, Promila, and Shakuntala by Sunity Devee
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