Study on the Mobility in Status of Women Evolutionary Phases towards Empowerment in India

Abstract

Women are the embodiment of divine virtue and purity blessed with the sweetness of speech and beauty from the god. There were contradictory dialogues about women where some schools of thought representing them to be ‘equals of men’ and other schools trying to spread hatred and disrespect by projecting women to be weak minded and unworthy of trust. The status of women witnessed a steady shift along with the phases of Indian society since from ancient to modern times. The life of women was highly influenced by the social attitude and practices in light of philosophical ideologies. The ancient epics and literature placed women with the utmost respect and integrity. The sacred position granted to women found a shattered steady decay with the time leading towards disrespect and injustice. Women started to regain the lost status only in the later part of the nineteenth century. The study on the mobility in the status of women is possible only through a detailed review into the integrated evolutionary process of social system and practices. The injustice and deprivation caused due to the shattered status can be compensated only through equity and justice. Equity in status can be attained only through inclusive growth. This paper highlights on the issues connected to the mobility in the status of women along the ancient, medieval and modern era. It describes the efforts on women empowerment for inclusive growth to ensure equity among men and women thereby recapture the status to which women are deprived off.