Introduction

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>This chapter examines the multifaceted portrayal of women in the Mahābhārata, focusing on themes of morality, sexuality, and societal norms. It interrogates how female characters—ranging from chaste wives to independent thinkers—navigate the complexities of desire, chastity, and agency within a patriarchal framework. The analysis highlights the epic’s nuanced treatment of female sexuality, the tension between prescriptive morality and lived experience, and the enduring relevance of these issues in contemporary feminist discourse. By exploring figures such as Draupadī, Kuntī, and Satyavatī, the chapter reveals how the Mahābhārata both reflects and challenges traditional conceptions of gender, marriage, and power. Ultimately, it argues that the epic’s treatment of women, morality, and sexuality offers valuable insights into the persistent dynamics of gender and social order across time.</jats:p>