Sunday, August 2, 2009

The life of a concubine


In the great palace, opposite the most amazing Taj Mahal, there is a courtyard, overlooked by a series of windows. At each window, there is room for one concubine. Can you imagine yourself there?

For me, the only consolation would be that this was in the Hindu section. The King, after all, had three wives (to ensure that he had the perspective of each of the three major religions), and concubines of each 'variety' as well. Surely he wouldn't have had enough time for me.

That's my modern 'feminist' spin on all things concubine, and all things 'trapped in a window overlooking the King's courtyard'.

For me, some of the things I see in the world are there so that I can be more grateful that ever to have been born when and where I was.

6 comments:

  1. I don't even know how to react to this post. That's intense! Thank you for sharing the photo and the historical tidbit. I didn't know that.

    And thank you for stopping by my blog -- appreciate it! :)

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  2. I can't imagine it at all. I just go back to that line in The Truman Show, where Christof says we accept the reality with which we are presented. If that were our only reality, would it make more sense?

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  3. ooh, thanks for commenting on my random little post. Stephanie, I agree with you. I have asked (in my 'Fallacy' poem) that if the road less travelled was the only option what would you do? Similar(ish) concept. I am sure that the women found joy, but looking at it from the centuries later eyes it looks harsh and unyeilding.

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  4. I am very happy to have been born in the USA. I have had many freedoms that others have not had in other countries. I continue to be grateful for being born in and living in this country.

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  5. It is always interesting looking into another culture, trying to imagine how they would have seen it. My opinions are shaped by where and what I live. I wonder what those women would think of the view from my window.

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  6. Alicia thanks for joining my blog :) I totally understand where you come from. I'm in Australia, and love that I can feel so free. I hope that doesn't change.

    Stephanie, I wonder the same thing. I know that I am judging their situation based on my perceptions, and these may be totally misguided. It still makes me more appreciative of what I have.

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