must be in "order". This relates back to the idea of obtaining enlightenment. Without order you have chaos and enlightenment can not be found in this disorder. Ayodha is the ideal kingdom; everybody knows their place in relation to their proper rebirth (samsara) in the order of the kingdom. Rama is the perfect ruler and son. This idea further reinforces the idea of dharma (social order). The highest social class, the king, is also the central figure in maintaining order in the kingdom. Reinforcing the need for a social class even more, and the need for order and proper duty among the different classes. Sita is the perfect wife and always does what is asked of her. The Ayodhyans believe that Sita, while under the control of the demon Ravana, did not keep her chastity. Chastity in the Indian culture not only represents the women, but also the man. It is considered a power that sustains the two of them. It is the husband's duty to protect this power and the citizens' question Rama's ability to rule them because of his lack of control over his wife (Kinsley 29). Rama for the sake of the kingdom must banish Sita. Rama represents the perfect ruler, giving up his own feelings and ambitions for the sake of the kingdom (Kinsley 31). This further shows the constant order that pervades all through the story. Political aspects at the time Valmiki wrote Ramayana have touched of political strife today. At the time Valmiki wrote Ramayana, Aryans from the north conquered Southern India. This invasion inspired Valmiki to write about Rama. The Aryans portray Rama and the island of Lanka and Ravana represent the indigenous people of Southern India. Several political parties in Southern India use the Ramayana as propaganda to support their campaign for independence from Northern India (Kinsley 25). The kingdom in the Ramayana is the center of righteousness and is the birthplace of dharmarajya. Dharmarajya stands for righteous kingdom...
