Project Idea: Women of the Ramayana

There are so many women characters in the Ramayana, and you can mix-and-match their stories based on the kinds of drama and the epic themes you want to explore.

Research Tip: Start by exploring the Wikipedia articles about the major women characters: Sita (Vedavati), and her sisters-in-law: Urmila, Mandavi, and Shrutakirti; the queens Kaushalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi (plus Manthara), and Dasharatha's daughter Shanta. In Ravana's world, there are Shurpanakha, Mandodari, Trijata, and Sulochana (Promila); in the monkey world, Tara, Ruma, and Anjana. In his travels, Rama meets Ahalya, Tataka, and Shabari. There are goddesses too: Bhumi, Lakshmi, and Durga. In the Thai version of the Ramayana, you will find Hanuman's mermaid lover named Suvannamaccha.

Past Projects:

• Evil Women of the Ramayana
• Wives' Tales
• The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
• Real Housewives of Ramayana