The book provides a comprehensive exploration of the theme of gender in Indian history offering students a nuanced understanding of the complexities of gender roles, identities, and power dynamics in ancient and medieval India. Through a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating insights from history, anthropology, sociology, and gender studies, the it examines the diverse experiences of women, men, and gender-nonconforming individuals within the cultural, religious, and socio-political contexts of pre-modern India.
The book critically evaluates colonial narratives and biases while amplifying marginalised voices and hidden histories. It engages with feminist and subaltern perspectives to challenge dominant narratives and uncover the agency, resistance, and resilience of individuals across diverse social, economic, and religious spheres.
By presenting diverse methodologies, theories, and interventions, the book aims to inspire critical thinking, empathy, and advocacy for gender equality, social justice, and inclusivity in historical scholarship and education. It provides students with a holistic understanding of gender dynamics in Indian history.
Dr Amna Mirza, Ph.D. in Political Science, is an Associate Professor, in the Department of Political Science at Shyama Prasad Mukherji College for Women, University of Delhi. She was a former Associate Professor at Sarojini Naidu Centre for Women Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. She has authored eight books and published twenty research papers in reputed peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Amna has participated and presented research papers at more than 150 national & international level conferences.
Prof. Syed Nadeem Fatmi, Ph.D. in Sociology, is Professor at Sarojini Naidu Centre for Women’s Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. He has also worked at Nelson Mandela Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution, JMI, New Delhi. Previously he was associated with Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani; Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida; and Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. His research contributions are substantial, featuring a book titled 'Social Ecology and Agrarian Classes,' along with numerous book chapters and research papers.
Acknowledgement
Preface / 11
1. Introduction /13
Vedic Period (c. 1500–500 BCE) / 14; Epic and Classical Age (c. 500 BCE–500 CE) / 15; Early Medieval Period (c. 500–1200 CE) / 15; Islamic Influence (c. 1200–1500 CE) / 16; Intersection of Religion and Gender / 16; Economic and Social Roles / 17; Literature Review / 19; Important Documents / 24; The Vedas (c. 1500–500 BCE) / 24; The Upanishads (c. 800–200 BCE) / 24; The Manusmriti (c. 200 BCE–200 CE) / 25; The Mahabharata and the Ramayana (c. 400 BCE–400 CE) / 25; Buddhist and Jain Texts (c. 500 BCE–500 CE) / 25; Gupta Period Inscriptions (c. 320–550 CE) / 26; Medieval Bhakti and Sufi Literature (c. 800–1500 CE) / 26; Legal and Administrative Documents (c. 600–1500 CE) / 26
Theories and Concepts
2. Theories and Concepts/ 29
Introduction / 29; Gender and Patriarchy as Analytical Tools / 31; Integrating Gender and Patriarchy in Historical Analysis / 32
3. Gender: A Tool of Historical Analysis/ 35
Introduction / 35; History as the Narrative of Power / 36; Feminist Historiography / 38; Sources for Understanding Gender History / 45; Gender Historiography / 46; Gender as a Technique of Historical Analysis / 51; Gender in Ancient Indian Societies / 52; Gender and Religion / 52; Gender in Political and Economic Contexts / 53; Gender and Social Hierarchies / 54; Gender and Legal Norms / 54; Gender and Cultural Expression / 55; Conclusion / 55
4. Understanding Origins and Structures of Patriarchy/ 57
Introduction / 57; Patriarchy in History / 57; Theoretical Perspectives on the Origin of Patriarchy / 61; Theories of the Origin and Structures of Patriarchy / 64; Origins of Patriarchy in Ancient India / 67; Religious Texts and Patriarchy / 68; Structures of Patriarchy / 68; Political Structures and Patriarchy / 70; Economic Structures and Patriarchy / 71; Social Hierarchies and Patriarchy / 71; Legal Norms and Patriarchy / 72; Cultural Expression and Patriarchy / 72; Patriarchy and Social Reforms / 72; Feminist Theory / 73; Intersectionality / 73; Structural Functionalism / 73; Marxist Theory / 73; Symbolic Interactionism / 74; Applying Theories to Historical Analysis / 74; Conclusion / 76
Aspects of Gender: Politics, Power and Household
5. Aspects of Gender: Politics, Power and Household / 77
Economic and Social Roles: Household, Patronage and Property / 79: Introduction / 79; Economic Roles and Household Dynamics / 79; Structure and Function of Households / 81; Economic Activities within the Household / 82; Resource Management and Distribution / 82; Patronage and Social Networks / 83; Property Rights and Inheritance / 84; Gender-specific Provisions in Inheritance Laws / 85; Regional Variations and Customary Practices / 85; Implications for Women’s Economic Autonomy and Social Standing / 86; Social Status and Power Dynamics / 87; Conclusion / 88
6. Women and Power: Raziyya and Rudramadevi /89
Introduction / 89; Raziyya Sultan: The Only Female Sultan of Delhi / 89; Rudramadevi: The Warrior Queen of the Kakatiya Dynasty / 92; Comparing Raziyya Sultan and Rudramadevi / 95; Comparative Analysis of Raziyya Sultan and Rudramadevi / 97; Some Prominent Poems on Raziyya and Rudramadevi / 98; Prominent Editorials / 99
7. Questions of Sexualities /101
Introduction / 101; Sexuality in Ancient Texts / 102; The Kamasutra and the Arts of Love / 104; Religious and Philosophical Perspectives / 105; Social Norms and Sexual Regulation / 105; Power, Politics, and Sexuality / 106; Asceticism and Sexual Renunciation / 107; Sexuality and the Household / 107; Sexuality and Social Mobility / 107; Conclusion / 108
Gender, Representation, and Literature
8. Gender, Representation, and Literature/ 109
Religious Literature in the Early Period: Vedic, Buddhist, and Puranic / 111: Introduction / 111; Vedic Literature / 111; Patriarchal Structures and Male Dominance / 113; Later Vedic Texts / 114; Buddhist Literature / 117; Gender Narratives in Buddhist Literature / 119; Puranic Literature / 121; Hymn to Vak (Speech) / 123; Dialogue Between Yajnavalkya and Maitreyi / 124; Therigatha 1.1 (Punnika) / 124; Vinaya Pitaka (Mahavagga) / 124; Hymn to Durga / 125; Draupadi’s Prayer / 125; Sita’s Prayer / 125
9. Love and Manliness in Hindawi Romances: Case Studies of Padmavat, Prushpariksha and Histories of Mira / 126
Introduction / 126; Padmavat: Love, Honour, and Manliness / 126; Purushpariksha: A Literary Jewel of Medieval Indian Philosophy and Ethics / 131; Histories of Mira Bai: Devotion, Defiance, and Spiritual Autonomy / 133; Defiance of Social and Familial Norms / 138; Comparative Analysis of Three Case Studies / 140; Conclusion / 140
Conclusion
10. Women in Indian History up to 1500 CE /141
Important Insights and Major Themes / 141; Challenges and Future Directions / 143; Relevance to Contemporary Issues / 143
References /153
Important Questions /150