Decoding Sita: Stories That Challenge the Traditional Ideal

For centuries, Sita has been remembered through the lens of ideal womanhood, patient, devoted, and self-sacrificing. But the story of Sita is far more expansive than her role as Rama’s consort. Across India and Southeast Asia, the Ramayana has been retold in a wide range of cultural, religious and philosophical traditions. In these versions, Sita appears not just as a loyal wife, but as a goddess, a warrior, a narrator of her suffering, and a cosmic force in her own right. These adaptations challenge the dominant narrative and offer richer, more layered portraits of Sita, revealing how communities have reinterpreted her story to reflect their values, struggles and visions of feminine power.

Valmiki’s Ramayana (circa 500 BCE)

Author and Context: Considered the earliest and most influential version of the Ramayana, this Sanskrit epic is attributed to sage Valmiki and was composed in ancient India. It helped define Hindu values around virtue, duty and ideal womanhood, with deep influence across literature, religion and social customs.

Sita’s Role: Sita is portrayed as the embodiment of loyalty, purity and self-sacrifice. She is unwavering in her devotion to Rama, even when subjected to exile, abduction and public doubt.

Key Moment: After proving her chastity through a trial by fire, Sita is still mistrusted. Refusing further humiliation, she calls upon Mother Earth to take her back, returning to her origin as an act of protest and dignity.

Adbhuta Ramayana (circa 1st millennium CE)

Author and Context: Also credited to Valmiki, this later Sanskrit text reflects goddess-centred traditions, especially those of the Shakta lineage. It reimagines divine power through a feminine lens and presents a different vision of heroism and justice.

Sita’s Role: Sita is revealed as an avatar of Mahakali, possessing unmatched cosmic power and strength. She is not just a consort but the ultimate protector and destroyer of evil.

Key Moment: When Rama is left unconscious in battle against the thousand-headed demon Sahasra Ravana, Sita transforms into her divine form and destroys the demon herself, revealing her as the most formidable force in the epic.

Chandrabati’s Ramayana (16th century)

Author and Context: Written by Chandrabati, a Bengali poetess, this is one of the earliest Ramayanas composed by a woman. It offers a personal and feminist take, drawing attention to the emotional pain and societal expectations faced by Sita.

Sita’s Role: Sita becomes the narrator of her own life, expressing her grief, strength and disillusionment. She no longer remains a silent figure but speaks out against patriarchal norms and Rama’s choices.

Key Moment: By telling the story from her perspective, Sita shifts the focus from Rama’s heroism to her suffering and resilience. This retelling gives her voice, anger and reflection.

Jain Ramayana – Paumachariya (circa 4th century CE)

Author and Context: Composed in Prakrit by the Jain monk Vimalasuri, this text follows Jain philosophical teachings that reject violence, favour reason, and dismiss divine miracles. It seeks to tell a more human, ethical version of the story.

Sita’s Role: Sita is not divine, nor is her birth miraculous. She is a virtuous woman who upholds Jain values such as non-violence, chastity and personal discipline, and serves as a moral guide.

Key Moment: Sita is portrayed as the natural daughter of King Janaka. Her worth comes not from divine origin but from ethical living, aligning with Jain ideals of moral clarity and inner strength.

Buddhist Dasaratha Jataka

Author and Context: Part of the Jataka tales, which depict the Buddha’s previous lives, this narrative reinterprets the Ramayana through the lens of Buddhist teachings. It prioritises moral lessons over epic grandeur and discourages attachment and vengeance.

Sita’s Role: Sita is introduced as both the sister and later the wife of Rama, reflecting certain ancient cultural norms. Her character promotes obedience, familial responsibility and inner calm.

Key Moment: The story omits Ravana and the dramatic abduction. Instead, it presents a peaceful, moral tale focused on duty, detachment and disciplined behaviour, in line with Buddhist values.

Gond Ramayani

Author and Context: Passed down orally by the Gond tribal communities of central India, this version reflects indigenous cultural beliefs and is independent of the Sanskrit canon. It features local gods, everyday struggles and strong female figures.

Sita’s Role: Sita is a bold and active participant in her story. She is not confined to domesticity but participates in warfare, asserts her choices, and is portrayed as a fierce and intelligent leader.

Key Moment: Sita’s actions on the battlefield and her decision-making in political affairs show her as someone with power and autonomy. Her bravery is not symbolic but real and respected.

Indonesian Ramayana – Kakawin Ramayana (circa 9th century CE)

Author and Context: Composed in Old Javanese during the Hindu-Buddhist era of Indonesia, this version combines Indian mythology with local legends and cultural traditions. It reflects regional storytelling.

Sita’s Role: Known as Shinta, she is depicted as the daughter of Ravana, abandoned due to a prophecy that she would lead to his downfall. Her character is shaped by loss, fate and reconnection.

Key Moment: After being left to die as a baby, Shinta is rescued and adopted by King Janaka. Her later abduction by Ravana becomes a tragic reunion with her father, adding emotional complexity and karmic weight to the story.

Thai Ramayana – Ramakien

Author and Context: Thailand’s version of the Ramayana, the Ramakien, was developed under royal patronage and reflects Thai cultural aesthetics, Buddhist philosophy and moral codes. It is often performed in classical theatre and dance.

Sita’s Role: Known as Sida, she is graceful and emotionally resilient. Her devotion is not submissive but deliberate, representing inner strength and moral poise.

Key Moment: Throughout her ordeal, Sida remains steadfast. Her ability to preserve dignity and integrity under pressure is seen as her true victory and makes her an ideal figure of Thai femininity.

Cambodian Ramayana – Reamker

Author and Context: The Cambodian Reamker is a richly illustrated and performed version of the Ramayana. It forms a major part of Cambodian artistic and ethical traditions, blending storytelling with dance, sculpture and ritual.

Sita’s Role: Called Neang Seda, she is self-aware, expressive and strong-willed. She does not passively accept her fate but makes decisions that affirm her self-respect.

Key Moment: After being unfairly accused and doubted by Rama, Neang Seda chooses to leave him. Her choice not to return reclaims her agency and breaks the cycle of female submission often seen in traditional versions.