Power Women Paperback – 28 August 2021

Really good to have in your collection...

Really enjoyed reading this book. A very unusual approach to a well known subject. Well researched and highly informative. The story of Kannagi and Unniyarcha are very interesting. The author says the Unniyarcha of the superhit film 'Oru Vadakkan Veera Gatha' is NOT the Unniyarcha of the Vadakkanpaatu. Kalidasa's Shakuntala is not the Sakuntala of the Mahabharata. Also many women characters are not even known us. The book reveals their stories as well.Easily readable, full of rare insights. Recommend to one and all.

Each story touches the heart.Each story so well researched,it's amazing how much Pushpa Kurup has delved into the lives of women..I loved the story of Tathrikutty in modern history.In an environment that glorifies Man this comes as not just refreshing but a truly bold attempt to set the record straight. How even in ancient history Women found the courage to stand up and be counted.More power to you Pushpa Kurup..

The book is a very well researched collection of stories from various epics and folk tales that take a fresh look at the stories of women across the stories that are a part of the Hindu mythology. From the Ramayana to Mahabharata, Pushpa takes up the characters and takes a look at them form a fresh perspective as to analyze them to bring out the positive as well as not-so-positive characters. As we move from mythology to folktales, Pushpa takes up some very interesting stories to bring out her view on the same. Each story is preceded with a sketch which makes for a wonderful start and sets a good tone for the story ahead. From highlighting the patriarchal undertones in the epics to the very depiction of women in stories, the author raises some very interesting points.

Our ancient world was based on the structure of a patriarchal society, where men dominated every field. In Mahabharata, Draupadi had no say in when she was distributed among five husbands. In Ramayana, Sita was the victim, yet in the end she was accused, and has to return to the earth.While there are many examples for the female subordination, few other women mentioned in this book were powerful and clever enough to get what they wanted. King Shantanu’s wife Satyavati is one of them. After Shantanu’s death, she ruled the kingdom as a reagent. She never sat on the throne, yet she is undoubtedly the power behind the throne.Kunti, mother of the five Pandavas, is a highly complex character. Her husband and her sons repeatedly lose or regain power, and she is compelled to move to forest again and again.However, there always has been a delicate gender balance in Hinduism, according to this book. The Bramha-Vishnu-Shiva Trinity has feminine counterparts who are worshiped equally.There are many other women in this book whose story is briefed and analyzed. The author analyses their actions in their respective tales and points out various things that stand in contrast with the notions of the society of that time.While some women were submissive and give in to the circumstances, others were bold enough to get what they want.This was definitely an interesting and thought-provoking read. A reader who likes books based on women, will definitely enjoy this.Although, one needs to be aware of the tales associated with the women mentioned in this story to get a better hang of what is being said.

It takes courage to take on an establishment that has been around for more than two millennia. To critically dissect the stories or myths and challenge their narrative is a Herculean task. Pushpa Kurup takes it on with an ease that has not been witnessed before. Most people are conversant with the legends but the author demands that we see them for what they uphold. Patriarchy, a crass Varna system, and much more rolled into gospel that cannot be questioned.Deftly dealing with ancient folklore and juxtaposing more recent events to underscore the persisting hypocrisy, the writer engages the reader and dares the person to challenge accepted norms. A thought provoking book which forces us to analyse our own beliefs and prejudices.

Superb

Power Women book was such a delight, it was like a whole new experience , lessons to take from it are still powerful and gives a value of women in ancient india. Each story is expressing different values and emotions. All the best for your upcoming books.