Women in Early Indian Societies

This is an anthology of excerpts from the works of authors who have shaped or understanding of gender relations in India. Also included are papers which provide fresh insights or explore alternative paradigms and possibilities. The first section focuses on the diverse issues and perspectives in women's history so as to give the reader an overview of the implicit and explicit debates and methodological strategies and problems. Section II highlights some aspects of the material context and content of gender relations, especially in terms of property, labour, and the impact of processes such as urbanization. Section III provides some samples of the socio-sexual definitions of womanhood through investigations in polyandry and prostitution, and also draws attention to the possibility of regional variations. The last section, on religious traditions, includes analyses of the goddess cult, women's patronage of religious institutions, and early Bhakti movements. The volume contains an editorial introduction which contextualizes the anthology, and a detailed bibliography.