Vaidehī's Voice: Sītā's Abduction in the Araṇyakāṇḍa of the Vālmīki-Rāmāyaṇa

Abstract

This thesis presents a philological analysis of selected verses from the Araṇyakāṇḍa of the Vālmīki-Rāmāyaṇa, focusing particularly on Sītā’s speech during two key encounters with Rāvaṇa in the episode of her abduction. By undertaking a close reading of the text, referring to other scholarly works, and a detailed morphological analysis and translation of selected verses, this study aims to contribute to the understanding of Sītā’s portrayal in the text.