This work is created by ‘Bharatiya Stree Shakti,’ a Sangathan (organisation) dedicated to women’s empowerment, seeking solutions rooted in Bharatiya perspectives to ensure sustainability and alignment with Bharatiya society.
The book is expertly compiled by Chief Editor Nayana Sahasrabuddhe, along with Prachi Moghe, Varada Sambhus, Jyoti Chauthaiwale, and Sindhu Kapoor. The challenging task of covering diverse topics with a holistic and balanced approach was accomplished seamlessly by the chief editor and the team.
The book provides an in-depth examination of key concepts such as gender dynamics, social institutions, and the evolving position of women from the Vedic era to contemporary times. With contributions from esteemed academics, the book bridges traditional Bharatiya thought with modern feminist discourse, offering a nuanced perspective that challenges Western feminist frameworks.
Content and Themes
The book is structured into distinct sections, each unveiling a unique dimension of Bharatiya feminism. It opens with a foreword by Dr. Mahesh Chandra Sharma, former MP and Chairman of the Research and Development Foundation for Integral Humanism. With keen insight, he contrasts Western and Bharatiya feminist perspectives, addressing the fundamental question—why this distinction matters. His answer lies in the holistic lens through which society must be understood.
The first section delves into theoretical foundations, establishing the epistemological and philosophical basis of gender roles in Bharatiya society. It highlights the significance of ancient scriptures, including the Vedas, Upanishads, and Dharmashastras, in shaping societal attitudes toward women.
A key highlight is the discussion on ‘Tattva’, the interplay between masculine and feminine energies. Drawing from Bharatiya Vichardhara (philosophical thought), the book argues that masculinity and femininity are complementary forces rather than hierarchical structures, as often depicted in Western feminist ideologies. Another crucial section of the book discusses the roles of women in the Vedic period. The authors provide compelling evidence of women’s active participation in intellectual and spiritual discourse challenging the notion about our society to have always been patriarchal and instead, present a vision of gender equality deeply embedded in Bharatiya traditions.
The book also critically examines the impact of colonialism and globalisation on feminist discourse in Bharat. It provides insight into contemporary perspectives on feminism and highlights the need to revisit and reassess feminist concepts. It highlights the growing need to decolonise feminist theory and reinterpret key concepts such as liberty, equality, and justice from a Bharatiya cultural perspective. By doing so, it presents an alternative framework that is rooted in indigenous philosophies rather than borrowed Western constructs.
