Dushtaa

Dushtaa (दुष्टा) is a Sanskrit word that generally translates to "wicked woman," "evil woman," or "vicious woman." The term carries negative connotations and describes a female character or individual exhibiting malevolent qualities, immoral behavior, or a generally harmful nature. The specific nuance can vary depending on the context in which it is used, but it consistently denotes negative character attributes in a female figure. In literary works and religious texts originating in the Indian subcontinent, dushtaa often refers to female demons, treacherous individuals, or those perceived as a threat to established social order or moral principles. It’s the feminine form related to the adjective dushta (दुष्ट) which means wicked or evil (applicable to both genders).