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The Vilification of Women in Mythology
The Other Half of the Story
It was the darkest day of the year. The sky was draped with countless constellations, each spelling a different story. Mount Olympus reached into this jewelled drapery, causing wrinkles that recast events and refashioned lives. This is one such episode.
In the beginning, there were three parents— the sun, the … Continue Reading
Nine Yards of Platonic Love
“Between men and women, there is no friendship possible. There is passion, enmity, worship, love, but no friendship.”
An old statement by Oscar Wilde, a belief most people consider accurate—a misconception.
Mythology has a wicked way of teaching us the dos and don’ts of life. These tales also portray … Continue Reading
The Blindfolded Queen’s Misery
Long before a bitter curse was spoken, before the war for righteousness was won, a girl made a choice. What went on through her mind when she made her choice? Why did she decide to blindfold herself and share her husband’s plight? The girl could have been the eyes of … Continue Reading
All The Ocean’s A Stage, And The Fishes Have A Say
A long, long time ago, an antagonised sage cursed the Devas to be stripped off their strength and good fortune. In an ensuing war against the Asuras, they were defeated and thereby lost control of the universe. In despair, they turned to Lord Brahma, who then directed them to … Continue Reading
Serpents, Sceptres and Unlikely Sisters: Ulupi and Chitrangada from the Mahabharata
The waves gently rumpled Ulupi’s hair as she sat surrounded by water serpents dancing to glory in the shimmering blue-green illumination that irradiated the Naga king’s palace. She sighed, her mind lost in the days of yore. The past was like a goldfish – lively and glistening with charm and … Continue Reading
Hijras: India’s Third Gender
If you find yourself at a red stoplight in India, chances are you might find them squeezing through the gaps between the cars, tapping on windows, and unceremoniously asking for money. They often wear vibrant outfits and wait at traffic signals as their only means of livelihood. What you see … Continue Reading