In every society there are ideals for women and role models who are used to portray these ideals. While in the United States we might idolize Emilia Erhart for her courage, strength and determination, we are in fact idolizing characteristics that women in our culture hold in high esteem. When examining the ideal outside of our western culture we see that many other nations hold views that sharply contrast our own. The ideals for women in India are not best portrayed by a historical figure, but instead through the ancient Hindu epic, The Ramayana.

The main character Sita has served as a role model for Hindu women for centuries. The stories of the women in the epics are representative with heroic deeds, womanly chastity, love, dedication and service to god. Despite the date of origin, these ideals communicated through Sita's popular character in The Ramayana are still embraced. Indian ideals are taught to the men and women in India as to the woman's role in the family, religion and politics through Sita's character.

The first encounter readers have with Sita is, as might be expected, her marriage to Rama. As is typical with Indian society, her marriage is arranged by her father. the compliant Sita accepts her fate, leaves her father's home and acknowledges her new "lord." Sita's passive reactions to being won in a contest and leaving to a strange kingdom with a strange man exemplifies arranged marriages in current Indian society. This is how Indian women adsre expected to react to this turbulent change in surroundings.

Sita states upon learning of Rama's exile, a woman's life revolves around her husband. As Sita agrees to follow her husband into the forest she is communicating one of India's highest expectations of women; utter devotion and commitment to their husband.

Besides demanding emotional devotion, the Hindu culture expects physical devotion as well. Upon her capture by Ravana, Sita's virtue immediately becomes a main concern. As the story unfolds it is learned that although Sita remains entirely devoted and chaste, at least in spirit while in captivity, Rama continues to subject her to scrutiny and tests of her honesty. To this day it is often controversial as to whether or not a husband should allow a wife into the home after being captured. Even after she survives test by fire Rama proceeds to eventually banish her, bearing child, from his kingdom. Through out all of this Sita remains loyal and devoted.

Ignoring her total submission to her husband, Sita was allowed many privileges that are denied form many women in present day India. It can be observed that there is no objection within the Ramayana to women being allowed in public. Sita was present during many political and religious affairs and, at time, encouraged to participate. However, when Sita refused to rule Rama's stead, would be unheard of in India's current society. It are these aspects that give light to the respect deserving women frequently lack.

Sita is one of the most influential women in India literature. Through out the Ramayana she teaches the readers the ideals for women upheld in the Indian culture. To this day one of the major rewards for young girls is "being a good girl, being a little Sita." Although considering her role a blueprint for society is somewhat naive, it must be acknowledged that despite being fictional, her influence is undeniable.

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Coomaraswamy, Ananda K, and Sister Nivedita. "The Ramayana." Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists, 13-117

Mukherjee, Prabhati, 1978. Hindu Women. New Delhi: Orient Longman Ltd.

Rester, Aaron "Aaron Rester's Mythology Pages." http://www.oberlin.edu/~arester/oppsita.html

Sengupta, Padimi, 1974. The Story of Women of India. New Delhi: Indian Book Company.

"What Every Hindu Ought to Know-Chapter 7-Woman in Hindu Society" http://hindunet.org/authors/wehwk/ch7.htm