Unearthing Indian Feminism on the Backdrop of Ancient Indian Wisdom

Abstract

This paper intends to focus on the women scholars that belonged to the Vedic period (circa 1500-1200 BCE) who contributed immensely to the Ancient Indian Knowledge System. Few of them were also known as ‘Brahmavadinis’. The Vedas exhibit a lot about the contribution of these women scholars namely Arundhati, Ghosha, Lopamudra, Maiteryi, Romasa, etc. These women experienced an equal status as that of men during those times. They actively participated in politics, excelled in education, composed hymns etc. However, in the later years the status of women got deteriorated. It was further, thought of to be brought in order, through a western concept known as ‘Feminism’ in various parts of the world including India, in the 19th century. The present study attempts to root out these layers of misconception about Western feminism to be the saviour of womankind and bring forth the true essence of Indian feminism that existed and truly represented Indian ethos, since the Vedic period that prevailed much earlier.