Reconstructing Social History of Women in Ancient India: Reading of Select Texts

Abstract

Individuals, regardless of gender, acquire knowledge about their personal histories through different means of communication. The sources of transmission encompass a broad spectrum, from widely held beliefs to ancient myths and popular folklore. The use of oral history as a form of widespread and casual communication has allowed individuals to incorporate historical knowledge to some extent. Likewise, the transmission of historical concepts in a structured manner occurs through academic journals, scholarly debates, and various forms of publication. Critically analyzing historical results systematically and comprehensively has sparked intellectual discussions on the role and status of women in the field of Indian history. A significant shift occurred in Indian historiography throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, as women emerged as the central subject of study.

Additionally, it is necessary to reexamine the past to identify unexplored areas. Scholars investigating early India have devoted considerable attention to the examination and understanding of the position of women within the Vedic tradition. To conclude, the contemporary Indian perspective on women can be traced back to the time of Rigvedic traditions, if not earlier. This study attempts to examine the tendencies in Indian historiography concerning the position of women and analyze the significance of an ancient text such as the Rigveda and Dharmasutras regarding the topic of women throughout the annals of Indian history. The proposed study endeavors to analyze the societal attributes attributed to femininity to investigate the position of women within Vedic and Dharmashastra traditions.