Analyzing the Social Status of Indian mythological Female Characters : Through Karen J. Warren and Val Plumwood’s Ecofeminism Theory/ ইকোফেমিনিজম তত্ত্ব : ক্যারেন জে. ওয়ারেন ও ভাল প্লামউডের তত্ত্বের আলোকে ভারতীয় পৌরাণিক নারী চরিত্রের সামাজিক অবস্থা বিশ্লে

Abstract

Since the beginning of the world, women and nature have been identified as identical. A woman's creativity, endurance, and generosity are like a reflection of nature in a woman's body. Like nature, women are the guardians of life. Similarly, both women and nature are neglected and oppressed in patriarchal society. Women's marginalization and biodiversity loss go hand in hand. The theory of ecofeminism was formed to protect women’s rights and prevent environmental degradation. Man's oppression of nature and patriarchy's dominance over women are inextricably linked. In the late 20th century, Françoise d’Eaubonne coined the term ecofeminism in her book ‘Le Feminismeou la mort’. But it can be seen that in our Indian subcontinent, the myth-puranas that have been prevalent for ages have always been about the connection between nature and women and oppression. Ecofeminism's prominent philosopher Karen J. Warren and Val Plumwood in their essays ‘The Power and Promise of Ecofeminism’ and ‘Feminism and the Mastery of Nature’ analyze the theory of ecofeminism to reveal the oppression of women and nature by patriarchal society. They think that it will be possible to reduce the inequality between men and women only if there is a qualitative change in the values ​​of the people living in the society. Though Daupradi born from fire, Sita born from earth or Shakuntala protected by birds are all associated with nature, they are burdened by the cruel blows of this patriarchy. On the other hand, when the qualitative change of the society is achieved, characters like Gargi, Satyavati, Maitrayi, Lopamudra, Amba or Shikhandi are found who are wise, intelligent and skilled. This Article will show through Warren and Plumwood’s Ecofeminism theory how patriarchal society has dominated women in Indian mythology due to dual values. On the other hand, if the qualitative change of the society is achieved, the process of changing the social status of women will be revealed in this article by analyzing the character of mythical women.