Savitri, a Tale of India, Essay Example

In Christianity and other Western religions it is often said that everything happens for a reason. The Hindus completely agree with it, saying “Dharma, when it is protected, protects.” Dharma is a principle of harmony, natural order and when it is followed, it always leads to enlightenment and out of dark and suffering. Indian tale about princess Savitri can be used as an illustration to prove this statement. The princess believed in fate and knew that if certain things were supposed to happen, they would happen anyways. Everyone’s life has a purpose and a certain path and wise people always follow it as they know that it will bring happiness and harmony. Savitri has known that her husband might die but she has also had a feeling that it has been her fate to marry him. By following this path she has made not only herself happy but other people around her as well.

The characters in the story follow their dharmas even when it might seem that the more reasonable decision is to act in a different way. Savitri’s parents had no children but they were patiently praying and asking and never complained about their fate. The king could not find a husband for his daughter so he allowed her to do it on her own and did not object to her choice. Savitri fell in love with a man who was supposed to die soon but she followed this path to the end and was able to save him by accepting the things how they were and not trying to escape what was inevitable.

To some extent, it is possible to say that Savitri does not follow her path. She refuses to stop following her husband’s soul and accept his death. The princess confronts the God of Death and wins his life. However, it can be interpreted in another way as well. Savitri represents the good forces while death is ‘evil’. The eternal battle of the good and the evil forces ends when the good forces (Savitri) win. They never use a lie or deception but only their wit to win.

Savitri follows her husband even after his death. She is ready to sacrifice everything for him. The princess leaves her house where she had comfort and servants that made her life easier and lived with her husband in an exile. Taking into account that family is very important for Hindus, the story can be used to portray a role model for the women – obedient, caring, and loyal.

The story can definitely be used as propaganda. It demonstrates the role model for women that is traditional for India but not common for the modern world. The story can teach the women to be obedient to their husbands and be ready to change their lives completely, if necessary, and stay with their husbands at all times. It contradicts with contemporary perception of gender equality as it shows the male superiority and the necessity for any woman to marry; otherwise, she will not be accepted in the society. Consequently, the story can be used as propaganda of traditional gender roles and the importance of family.