Paper Title: WOMEN THROUGH THE AGES: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Author:
Abstract:
The place of women in vedic society was elevated. In vedic society, women were not only dedicated to spiritual pursuits. Women of that era also had equal rights with men in society and family life. Therefore, in the history of the ancient Indian, we find mention of women sages with divinity like Lopāmudrā , Ghoşā , Apālā etc. in the history of Ancient India. In the Rigveda we find the women skilled warriors such as Mudgalinī etc. In vedic India, women had the right to chant mantras , read the vedas , choose husband’s etc. In this regard it is said in the Rigveda – “ स्वयं सा वृणुते जने चित् “(१०/२७/१२) । Moreover, the practice of marriage and cohabitation was not prevalent in the vedic period. Some women used to remain celebrate for life and vowed to study. In India at that time many women taught as ‘Upādhyāyās’ such as Apiśālā etc. In addition to religion, women of that time could practice music, dance and martial arts.
However , from the end of the Rigvedic era to the Atharvaveda and the subsequent Dharmaśāstras and Manusanhita, the status and honor of women has been declining due to various socio-economic and political reasons in society. Women continue to be victims of gender discrimination. So, writer Jyotirmoyi Devi says: “ মানুষ পৃথিবীতে একটা জাত। তাতে আবার দু’ভাগ - পুরুষ ও স্ত্রী……….l” Still the horror of empowermental exploitation of women can be seen at various levels of society. If we want to the freedom of women , we must change the society and gender discrimination.
Keywords:Bramhabādinī , Bramhaviduşī,Upādhyāyās, Peśaskaran, Rajayitrī etc.
Doi Link – https://dx.doi.org/10.63431/AIJITR/1.II.2024.50-56
Review By – Dr. Rajiv Sinha and Dr. Chandan Mandal