Introduction

Have you ever wondered why, even in the age of progress, echoes of ancient mindsets still dictate how women are treated? Delving into history, especially through the stories of Draupadi and Mata Sita, sheds light on the deeply rooted societal view of women as possessions—a mindset that’s long overdue for transformation.

Draupadi: More Than a Stake in a Game

Imagine being treated like a commodity, gambled away in a moment of someone else’s folly. Draupadi, the powerful heroine from the Mahabharata, endured this very fate. In the notorious dice game, Draupadi was “lost” by her husband, then humiliated in a hall full of men. She was reduced to property, stripped of her identity, and forced to fight for her dignity in front of an apathetic audience.

But Draupadi wasn’t just a victim; she was a voice against misogyny—a symbol of defiance and courage. Her bold questioning in the Kaurava court wasn’t just for herself, but for all women treated as possessions throughout history. Her story still resonates today, giving strength to those who challenge outdated norms.

Sita: The Prisoner of Purity

If Draupadi’s story was about being wagered, Mata Sita’s ordeal in the Ramayana was about being doubted. Despite her unwavering devotion and immense strength, Sita was made to undergo the Agni Pariksha (trial by fire) to prove her purity after being rescued from Ravana. Her value, heartbreakingly, was measured not by her choices or character, but by standards imposed by others.

Sita’s struggles didn’t end there. Suspected and isolated, she was banished while pregnant, left to raise her children alone in the forest. Society saw her not as a thinking, feeling individual, but as a vessel of their honor—another example of possessive patriarchy at work. Sita’s grace in adversity and her final assertion of selfhood by returning to Mother Earth have made her a timeless emblem of inner strength.

Why These Stories Still Matter

The Need for Change: True progress comes when women are seen as individuals, not as possessions passed, protected, or policed by others.

Everyday Echoes: From boardrooms to streets, women continue to face judgment and restrictions based on what society “expects.” The roots of these attitudes can be traced back to the treatment of Draupadi and Sita.

Internalized Possession: Many girls are taught to see themselves through a lens of approval—how they dress, behave, or speak—rather than by their own aspirations or values.

Rewriting the Narrative

Education and Awareness: Conversations at home, school, and on social platforms must challenge the objectification of women and promote equality as a non-negotiable right.

Empowerment Over Possession: Just like Draupadi’s fearless confrontation and Sita’s steadfast dignity, women today are stepping forward, voicing their choices, and demanding equality.

Rethinking Traditions and Stories: By re-examining our epics, we challenge ourselves to see beyond old narratives, to respect women’s autonomy and celebrate their agency.

Final Thoughts

Both Draupadi and Sita broke the mold in their ways, teaching us that women are not possessions—they are people, partners, and leaders with identities and dreams of their own. The time has come to recognize this and make “equality” more than just a word.

Let’s give voice to the stories of resilience, rewrite perceptions, and begin seeing women for who they truly are—not what society wants them to be.

Empower her story—don’t possess her spirit.