Redefining our Protagonists!
Part 10
A story of Mahabharata depicts many empowered female characters. Most importantly it also depicts a male character who plays a role of a pioneer of woman empowerment. On the occasion of Krishnashtami let’s unfold the character of Krishna as a true pioneer of woman empowerment.
Krishna is the central character of Mahabharata. He is considered as an incarnation of Vishnu being a sustainer of good values. Ramayana, the other great epic, tries to elicit Ram, who is also considered as an incarnation of Vishnu, as ‘Perfect Personality’. However, unlike Ramayana, Mahabharata elicits Krishna as a man of progressive thoughts who takes the story ahead in a natural way. Therefore, Krishna appeals more to the hearts of Indian being more akin to a commoner. Ram is born in a royal class and lives his life as per the royal codes. A royal class has given subordinate status to the women; because it is always a man who rules. In royal class a woman is valued for her ability to produce heir; and therefore fidelity of a woman is important. These social norms for the royal class are deeply rooted in the behavior of Ram. Therefore, he does not hesitate to put into question fidelity of his wife Seeta. Whereas, Krishna belongs to a traders’ class which is considered lower in rank in social order. Traders’ class, being a middle layer in a pyramid of social order, can act as a link between higher and lower layer. Therefore, the social norms of traders’ class are more based on equality and independence. Krishna is a leader of traders’ class who outperforms the leaders of royal class of his époque with his intellectual power. Krishna being a cowherd is denied a participation in the Swayamvara of Rukmini. Later, Krishna is invited as a chief guest in Indraprastha among the dignitaries of royal class in Rajsuya sacrifice that claims sovereignty. Krishna propagates the social norms which are largely based on equality; and therefore he depicts more progressive approach towards females who are placed at the bottom of the pyramid of social order in that era. Therefore, Krishna can be considered as a pioneer of woman empowerment in the Indian society.
Krishna is a supporter of a widowed mother Kunti in her fight for inheritance of five sons. He is a friend of Draupadi who runs for her help during the most difficult incidence like disrobing. After that, as a friend, he helps her in taking a revenge of this humiliation. He is a true life partner of rebel Rukmini who challenges social order. He is a patient listener of Gandhari whose voice is never being heard. He is a true lover of Radha to understand purity of her love. He is the proud husband of individualist Satyabhama. He is a true companion of the tribal woman Jambavanti. He is a true soulmate of devoted Kalindi. Krishna shares unique relationship with most women of his times and gives a different dimension to each of these relationships. Each of woman has helped Krishna to find a new fathom of ‘womanhood’. In turn, Krishna has helped every woman to reach a next level of being human. Although thousands of years are passed to the story of Mahabharata, Krishna remains as a role model in the path of woman empowerment.
