Rachna Vinod
The story of women in ancient Bharat unfolds like a compelling saga-one where they were not just nurturers but also scholars, warriors, and visionaries. Another International Women’s Day is here to focus on modern struggles and achievements. Yet, to truly understand the trajectory of women’s empowerment, we must turn the pages of history and explore an era where women commanded respect in fields as diverse as philosophy, governance and warfare. Were they symbols of equality, or did their status shift with time? The answers lie in the rich chronicles of the past.
The struggle for gender equality is not merely a modern pursuit but one deeply rooted in history. The stories of ancient Indian women, their contributions, and their intellectual prowess remind us that empowerment is not a foreign concept but rather an intrinsic part of our cultural and historical identity. By revisiting this past, the spirit of gender equality and assurance that women continue to have access to education, leadership opportunities, and personal freedoms, is further ignited. Let’s remember our glorious past when during the Vedic period, women enjoyed a relatively high status in society, with access to education, participation in religious rituals, and involvement in intellectual discourses and when the status of women in ancient Bharat was deeply intertwined with mythology, which portrayed women in diverse roles ranging from powerful goddesses to devoted consorts.
Mythology has played a significant role in shaping societal perceptions of women in Bharat. Ancient Indian texts and epics depict women in diverse and powerful roles. Goddesses like Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Durga embody knowledge, prosperity, and strength, respectively, reflecting the reverence for feminine energy in Indian culture. Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and learning, symbolizes the intellectual capabilities of women, while Durga and Kali represent formidable power. These depictions indicate that women were not merely confined to domestic spaces but were also seen as custodians of knowledge, wealth, and strength, proving that women were not just confined to domestic roles but also shaped historical and mythical narratives. Revered figures such as Sita, Draupadi, and Savitri from Indian epics exemplify virtues of dedication and righteousness. While their lives were shaped by societal expectations, their influence and impact demonstrate the significant roles women played in shaping historical and mythical events. These stories, though often layered with patriarchal interpretations, also provide glimpses of women’s agency and leadership.
During the Vedic period, women enjoyed a relatively high status in society. They had access to education, actively participated in religious rituals, and engaged in intellectual discourses. Women scholars like Gargi and Maitreyi were renowned for their knowledge and philosophical debates, challenging the notion that intellectual pursuits were exclusive to men. Gargi, for instance, engaged in deep philosophical discussions with sages, while Maitreyi was known for her contributions to metaphysical thought. Marriage customs during the Vedic period also reflected a more equitable status for women. Women had the right to choose their life partners through practices like swayamvara, wherein they could exercise their own judgment in selecting a spouse. Women had the freedom to pursue different life paths. The presence of women priests and their active participation in yajnas (sacrificial rituals) further underscores the gender inclusivity of religious and spiritual practices during this time.
Despite the relative empowerment women experienced during the Vedic era, their status gradually declined in subsequent periods due to the rise of rigid social structures, including the caste system and increased patriarchal control. By the later Vedic and post-Vedic periods, women’s access to education and participation in public life diminished. Social norms became increasingly restrictive, confining women to domestic roles and limiting their agency in decision-making processes. Customs such as child marriage, purdah (veiling), and restrictions on widow remarriage became more prevalent. The once-celebrated tradition of learned and independent women gave way to societal constraints that curtailed their freedom. History also records numerous instances of women defying these limitations. Figures like Rani Lakshmibai, Mirabai, and Razia Sultana demonstrated remarkable courage and intellect, challenging societal norms and proving their capabilities in leadership, poetry, and governance.
Unlike International Women’s Day, March 8, which is observed globally, National Women’s Day in India is celebrated on February 13 each year to honor the contributions of Indian women, with Sarojini Naidu known as the Nightingale of Bharat for her contributions to poetry and a crucial role in Bharat’s independence movement. Recognizing her contributions as a nationalist leader, the day serves as a reminder of women’s achievements in various fields and promotes gender equality. It encourages young women to pursue leadership, education, and social change. The journey toward recognizing women’s rights has been long and eventful. International Women’s Day serves as a reminder that reclaiming the values of respect and equality that once defined ancient Bharat can help shape a more inclusive future. The recognition of March 8 as International Women’s Day by the United Nations stems from a history of activism:-
1908 – Thousands of women marched in New York City, demanding better working conditions, shorter hours, and voting rights.
1909 – The Socialist Party of America declared February 28 as National Women’s Day.
1910 – At the International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed an annual International Women’s Day to promote gender equality.
1911 – The first International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.
1913-1914 – March 8 became the fixed date, aligning with women’s protests in Russia.
1917 – Russian women’s strike for ‘bread and peace’ contributed to the Russian Revolution.
1977 – The United Nations officially recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day.
Today, this day is marked worldwide, advocating for women’s rights in social, economic, political, and cultural spheres.
Women are the originators of life, shaping societies through their contributions at home and in professional fields, playing important role in the upbringing of children and thus setting tone for effective present and future of the society. Making a difference to the world around her, every woman is extraordinary, no matter where she works whether it’s a home or office. While ancient Bharat presented a more progressive outlook on women’s roles in many ways, societal changes over time led to the suppression of these rights. Today, as we strive for gender equality, it is vital to acknowledge and learn from history. The reverence for women’s wisdom, strength, and autonomy, which was once an integral part of Indian culture, should serve as a guiding force in shaping policies and societal attitudes. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us not only recognize the achievements of women today but also honor the legacies of those who paved the way for a just and equitable society.
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