Sita born of the earth, beloved daughter of Janaka – the name Janaki comes from there – princess of Videha (Vaidehi), wife of Rama, coveted by Ravana, Mother to Luv Kush. Abandoned wife. There are lots of ways of describing Sita. But, who was she? Was she the door mat – that modern popular renditions make her out to be? Was she the warrior princess? was she capable of independent decision making – or was she always the reactive party – accepting, without murmur, the hand that fate had dealt her.
Sita – Daughter of the Earth is a graphic novel, published by Campfire tells the story of the Ramayan from Sita’s point of view. Written by Saraswati Nagpal and illustrated by Manikandan – the story is a great introduction to one of the most complex charactes in the Ramayan.
The story is linear and starts with introducing King Janak and Queen Sunaina of Vaideha and their desire for a child. The discovery of Sita in a field and her adoption by her parents. It talks about a happy childhood.
One of the most striking scenes in the first few pages of the graphic novel – is Sita pushing aside, effortlessly, the platform on which the bow of Shiva (Shiva Danush) is kept. Like with Vijendra Mohanty’s Ravanayan – you know the story, you know what’s going to happen – but it is the retelling of your favorite moments that gives me goose pimples.
The author captures the romance and then love between Ram and Sita well – without making it mawkish or sentimental. The part of the story where Sita decides to follow her husband into exile is well written. The scense in the forest before the kidnapping -the joys of exile – are well done.
The story as such, changes with the kidnapping. The arrival of Mareecha and the crossing of the Lakshman rekha is well narrated and beautifully drawn.
Normally in any reading of the Ramayan we would see Ram’s grief at the loss of Sita, rage at the kidnapper and journey to get her back. But, in this we see the entire portion from Sita’s point of view. Her horror when Jatayu is murdered. He resolutelness in the face of Ravan’s determination to get her to be his wife.
One of the most poignant part of the story is where (a hidden) Hanuman begins narrating the story of Ram and Sita and their adventures. A story that gives Sita hope in enemy territory. Sita’s heartbreak and the agnipariksha after the battle is well recounted. As is her decision to go into exile – and in this the author moves away from the original and has Sita making the decision.
Sita – the daughter of Earth is a good introduction to the Ramayan. It is well written and brillinatly drawn. I like the way Saraswati Nagpal has given Sita a dimension of independent thought. Honour is not just the prerogative of the male. And, Sita’s honour is more than ‘chastity’ – it is the Queen’s Duty. Manikandan’s art is brilliant – in terms of colour, fluidity and the depiction of action. It is a great introduction to the epic, Especially for the young. It is good to see so many young authors & artists bringing back the joy of the epics to a whole new generation.
Do read.
Title : Sita – Daughter of the Earth
Written by : Saraswati Nagpal
Illustrated by: Manikandan
Published: 2010
Imprint: Campfire
Format: Paperback, Full Colour | 10.25 x 6.50 inches | 96 Pages
ISBN: 978-93-80028-37-8
Thanks Harini! A woman’s perspective always makes a difference 🙂 Gratitude!
enjoyed the book. gave it to my mom who read it in one sitting. my brother who did the same – all loved it … great work 😀
Would definitely want the boys reading this. thnx. 🙂