The Concept of Public Opinion in Uttararamacharitam
Keywords:
Public censure, public acceptance, royal duty, public opinionAbstract
Uttararamacharitram, composed by Bhavabhuti, is based on the Uttara Kanda of Valmiki’s Ramayana. In this play, the heart-wrenching incident of Sita’s exile was the direct result of Lokapavada (public scandal/censure). Rama declares that for the happiness and satisfaction of his subjects, he would feel no grief even if he had to renounce affection, mercy, happiness, or even Janaki (Sita) herself:
‘Sneham dayām cha saukhyam cha yadi vā Jānakīmapi.
Ārādhanāya lokasya muñchato nāsti me vyathā.’
After Sita’s Agni-Pariksha (ordeal by fire), her purity becomes beyond doubt. However, when Rama receives information regarding the public scandal (Lokapavada) concerning Sita, he is forced to bow before public opinion. Consequently, Rama must sacrifice his most beloved person at the altar of Rajadharma (royal duty).
Bhavabhuti has not only glorified the majesty of Rajadharma but has also criticized its harsh consequences. Vasanti, the forest deity, condemns Rama’s cruel behavior toward Sita, representing a moral stance against public scandal. The exile of Sita due to Lokapavada causes Rama intense inner agony, which highlights his spirit of sacrifice. This proves that Rama’s action was not voluntary, but was performed solely to uphold his royal duty under the pressure of public opinion.
At the end of the play, the Garbhanka (play-within-a-play) is designed, through which Sita’s purity is publicly proven before the subjects. This satisfies the masses that Sita is indeed pure. Adhering to truth and righteousness (Dharma), Rama accepts Sita once again..
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