Contribution of Women to the Early Indian Economy (1500 B.C to 600 A.D)

Abstract

Historically speaking men and women were equal partners in the production-distribution processes in ancient India. This study makes an effort to bring visibility to early Indian economics and highlights examples of a thriving women’s labor force in early India. Women's labor was complementary in society; they were equal partners with men in different economic activities. The common woman of early India had to earn her livelihood as well. It is well known that even today the largest section of rural women are directly involved in agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry, etc. The nature of the economy of the ancient ages gives no clear-cut demarcation between the gender roles and they are very much influenced by the demands of the situation. As there was no distinction between domestic and workplace and production was largely for local consumption, women's economic participation was always present in society. This study is an endeavor to highlight the position of the ‘women working class’ in mainstream history.

Early Indian economic participation of women can be witnessed in the agricultural field and allied activities; women taking up different professions and contributing as a service class to the state administration and the society, and finally, women entertainers and slaves who were engaged in different economic roles. The literary sources provide specific terms in use for the women workers which throws ample light on the fact that they would have been in significant numbers. This means that the lawmakers of the time had to consider women’s safety and security, providing the necessary dignity and justice to early working-class Indian women.