Draupadi and the paradigm of woman empowerment in Hinduism

Abstract

This article aims to bring insights from the philosophy of Hinduism to contribute to contemporary issues related to justice/injustice, empowerment, and liberation. To make important observations, and raise significant questions in this direction, it analyzes and discusses in detail the character of Draupadi from the Indian epic The Mahabharata. The article invites critics to debate the potential for empowerment in feminine virtues through the example of Draupadi who defends her importance and value on the basis of stri-dharma (righteous feminine actions). The article also propounds that the typical masculine traits (aggression, individualistic and courageous actions, etc.) in the personality of Draupadi result from the socio-political normativity that puts Draupadi's virtue under examination because she had unconventionally married five men. Draupadi is under emotional and psychological pressure to publicly prove her virtuous self and this finds expression in emotionally-charged situations apparently as masculine traits.