ATHO HIDIMBA KOTHA

This creation started as a response to a comment by a public figure that women must not engage themselves in “men’s work” to avoid acquiring the quality of a Rakshasa (demon). We used to think the mentions of the “rakshasa” in our epics wanted to address some indigenous tribes of ancient India, or they were imaginary monsters from fairy tales with big flapping ears and sharp teeth. This comment made us aware that there is more to it. We became curious about the process of “men’s work” that increases demoness’ in women – or what are these demon qualities after all. Reaching to “Atho Hidimba Kotha” from the story of Rakshasi Hidimba from Mahabharata was a constant search of many search questions, through our bodies, minds, habits. The story we found did not come in agreement with the narratives provided by our ancient epics. It is a new narrative we provide, a story of the defeated, dispossessed that the epics refuse to include.