About Lesson
i. How has the role and status of women in India evolved over time?
India’s historical treatment of women is marked by complexity and change. Indian society has generally been patriarchal, granting men greater power and status than women.
- During the Indus Valley civilization, and the Vedic period, Women enjoyed equal status in society.Â
- They participated politically by attending Sabha and Samithis. Some significant female figures of the Vedic period are Ghosha, Lopamudra, Sulabha Maitreyi, and Gargi.
- The status of women began to decline in the later Vedic period, and many social restrictions were placed upon them. There was evidence of sati during the Gupta Period.Â
- During Medieval times, the social status of a woman, both in Hindu and Muslim communities, was very low.Â
- Females belonging to the nobility observed purdah and were rarely allowed to go outside the house. The custom of sati has become more common.
- With the rise of Social reform movements, there was an improvement in the status of women in Indian Society during British rule.Â
- With the efforts of reformers, Sati was abolished in 1829, and the Widow Remarriage Act was passed in 1856.
- Women participated in the Indian anti-imperialist struggle in large numbers through important movements.Â
[Image: Role of Women in India]