Reimagining Sita: Ecofeminist Perspectives in the Poems of Nandini Sahu and Toru Dutt

The figure of Sita, most famously known as the central female character from the ancient Indian epic the Ramayana, has historically been regarded as the epitome of feminine virtue, purity, and sacrifice. She has long been a part of the mental framework of every Indian girl, who is taught the duties of womanhood through her character. The influence of Sita is so powerful that women succumb to societal pressures, feeling they must emulate her, even when they should resist. The patriarchal narrative has imposed a singular, submissive image of Sita that glorifies woman’s subjugation. In contrast, modern writers have reimagined Sita as a symbol deeply connected to nature embodying vibrant energy of nature. This reinterpretation integrates the ecofeminist idea that women and nature are interlinked forces of nurture and power. Thus, contemporary portrayals challenge the traditional, limiting image and bring out a new Sita who is both nature’s daughter and an agent of her own destiny. This research paper explores the poem "Sita" from an ecofeminist perspective, focusing on the new dimensions of her character erstwhile ignored by the writers. It draws on critical interpretations, notably by Nandini Sahu and Toru Dutt, to reveal Sita’s connection to her inner feminine and healing aspect of nature.