Twelfth Global Studies Conference

Abstract

The Indian civilization has produced great women ranging from Braham vadinis (lady Rishi) to states woman, from ideal wife to warrior queen. Hindu mythology witnesses that the status of Hindu woman during the vedic period was respectable. The strong cultural background of Indian society and high status of women kept them healthy from all perspectives. During the post-vedic period, women started losing the status in society. She lost her independence. She became a subject of protection. Women were pre-ordained for procreation. Subsequently, the socioeconomic status of Hindu women were very much lowered and had to depend on the male in every activity. The social evils like Purdah System came into force. Child marriage was prevalent. Incidence of female infanticide and custom of Sati could be witnessed. During the British rule in India, various reforms were initiated with respect to status of women. While girls are also considered necessary, the birth of a boy has been considered more desirable. These cultural attributes have left a deep mark on gender dynamics in India; of-course it varies according to specific variables operating in Indian society such as caste, class, rural, urban, education, region and other socioeconomic parameters. In this paper, these issues are explored in light of globalization, which has impacted women in Indian society in many ways ushering in positive socio-economic changes thus empowering women and breaking the shackles of patriarchal society.