Abstract
Amish Tripathi’s novel Sita: Warrior of Mithila (2017) is the second installment in the Rama Chandra Series, offering a reimagined portrayal of Lord Rama and other key figures from the Ramayana in a modernized context. Through its exploration of human nature, politics, and morality, the series captivates readers both in India and internationally. Tripathi’s adept fusion of Indian mythology and history has garnered widespread acclaim, with his books consistently ranking as bestsellers. The title, Sita: Warrior of Mithila, aptly reflects the central character’s portrayal as a formidable female warrior. While the narrative begins with Sita’s demonstration of courage during her abduction, it evolves to delve deeper into her transformation into a warrior princess. Sita embodies a form of feminist nationalism, championing altruistic warrior ideals. Guided by her mother’s wisdom, she emerges as a symbol of this novel feminist nationalism, challenging traditional gender roles within the political sphere. Through Sita’s journey, the narrative dismantles gender-based political norms, offering a fresh perspective on nation-building and the role of women within it. In contrast to conventional mythology, the revisionist approach taken by Tripathi actively engages with the development of women’s political identities, highlighting their significance in the broader context of nationhood. The research question for the current study is: How does Amish Tripathi’s novel Sita: Warrior of Mithila depict the development of Sita’s feminist ideology, challenge traditional portrayals of Sita in the Ramayana, and explore the connection between Sita’s transformation and the concept of feminist nation-building?
Keywords: Feminist Nationalism, Political Identity, Revisionist Mythology, Warrior Princess.