Representation of Padmavati and the Recurring Image of an ‘Ideal Woman’

Abstract

The paper entitled, “Representation of Padmavati and the Recurring Image of an ‘Ideal Woman’” with the representation of Padmavati in the epic titled Padmavat by Jayasi and Padmaavat, a film adaptation of the epic directed by Bhansali. It also focuses on how people view her today. She is represented as an ideal woman, who sacrificed her own life to preserve her chastity and thereby the honour of her own community. She is attributed all ideal qualities that is expected in a woman. Her adherence to these qualities construed by the patriarchal society and her act of “Jauhar” made her rise to the level of a goddess. However, these qualities are not the mere construction of a community or era alone. It has been existing since time immemorial. There has been a tendency to stereotype women as meek, gentle, submissive etc. since the time of Manu which has found its way into popular myths and legends. The story of Padmavati also borrows this same image of an ideal woman and her glorification.