The Legend of Ahalya: A Midnight Imposter at the Hermitage

Ideally, domestic life in ancient India is presented as agam in Tamil and samsaran in Sanskrit. Pride of place is given to the women and her marital fidelity is placed on a high level and is considered absolutory non-negotiable. Adultery in the male or female and sexual gratification from the prostitute are condemned. The legend of Ahalya is from the epic Ramayana by Valmiki in Sanskrit and modified by the Tamil poet, Kambar, as Ramavataram in 12th century CE. The seduction by Indra and passive acceptance by Ahalya are mentioned. Male and female marital fidelity should be observed in the family for its mental health and proper child rearing.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC

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