Hidden Histories of Indian Women | Manu Pillai Part 3
Jan 26, 2024
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Manu Pillai, an expert on women figures in Indian history, discusses the overlooked roles of women in history, including their involvement in politics, resistance against societal norms, and contributions to the feminist movement. Topics include the influence of queens and courtesans, education for women, iconic women in Indian politics, the Devadasi system, and the impact of law on India's freedom struggle.
Women's contributions in history were often unrecognized or hidden, highlighting the need for more inclusive narratives.
The feminist movement in India had diverse influences from both organized efforts and traditional spaces.
Women played significant roles in the freedom struggle, although their contributions were overshadowed in historical records.
Indira Gandhi's political journey exemplifies the challenges and power dynamics faced by women in politics.
Deep dives
Women's Representation in History
Throughout history, women have played important roles that often went unrecognized. Historians faced challenges in documenting and crediting women's contributions due to social attitudes and limited recording of their roles. Women participated in politics, carried out political roles, and engaged in everyday life activities. They were not just confined to domestic spaces but made important economic contributions as well. However, their stories often remained hidden or relegated to negative portrayals. The historical representation of women is slowly changing as more female historians highlight their contributions.
The Feminist Movement in India
The feminist movement in India had both organized efforts and influences from traditional spaces. Elite women who were exposed to global feminist movements and educated in English participated in organized feminist organizations like the All India Women's Conference. They advocated for women's suffrage, fought against derogatory labels, and challenged societal norms. However, women from traditional spaces, such as Devadasis, also exerted agency, autonomy, and cultural influence. The debate around traditional practices like Devadasis and the impact of feminism showcased the diversity of women's experiences and aspirations.
Women in the Freedom Struggle
Women played significant roles in the freedom struggle, although their contributions were often overshadowed. Prominent female figures like Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, sister of Jawaharlal Nehru, represented India on international platforms, while countless other women participated in various ways. Their involvement ranged from behind-the-scenes negotiations to active resistance and political organizing. Women politicians like Dakshayani Velayadal made their presence felt in the constituent assembly, despite being a minority. Women's participation, though sometimes overshadowed, played a crucial role in the fight for independence.
Indira Gandhi and Women in Politics
Indira Gandhi's political journey showcases the complexities faced by women in politics. While her influence and role as a successor to Jawaharlal Nehru remains debated, she had an active role within the Congress party. As Nehru's hostess, she gained exposure to various political leaders and developed an understanding of the political landscape. After Nehru's passing, she maneuvered within the party and eventually became Prime Minister. Her leadership style and decisions, including the controversial Emergency period, highlighted the challenges and power dynamics faced by women in politics.
Political strategies of Indian leaders in history
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses the political strategies employed by Indian leaders throughout history. One example is Lal Bahadur Shastri, who demonstrated humility and silence as a way to gain support and political advantage. Similarly, a story from Kerala in the early 1900s showcases a woman accused of adultery who fought back by implicating numerous men, including high society figures, through her testimony. These historical anecdotes highlight the astute political instincts of individuals, even in domestic settings, and demonstrate the timeless aspects of human behavior in politics.
The impact of British colonization on Indian legal profession
The podcast delves into the impact of British colonization on the legal profession in India. With the centralization of the legal system, laws and property disputes became more complex, leading to an increased demand for lawyers. Accessing wealth and power, many ambitious individuals aspired to become lawyers and sought education in England. This provided them with knowledge of legal rights and allowed them to argue for Indian rights using Western principles. Consequently, the legal profession played a crucial role in India's freedom struggle and early political movements.
Humorous and unconventional stories from Indian history
The podcast also explores amusing and unconventional stories from Indian history that reveal the human side of historical figures. These stories include instances like a Telugu play written by a Maratha king in the 18th century, which parodied the caste system and social norms of the time. Additionally, anecdotes are shared about British residents in India, their interactions with locals, and instances of cross-cultural blending through intermarriages and adoption of local customs. These stories provide a glimpse into the complexity of human interactions and shed light on lesser-known aspects of historical figures.
Is feminism a modern movement or have women always resisted control imposed on them by oppressors? What role did the queens and courtesans play in shaping Indian history? Why were they written out of history and how can we reclaim these lost stories?
We answer these questions and more in this episode!
For Week 3 of SparX's Indian History Month, we have Manu Pillai delving deep into the women figures of Indian history, often written out of mainstream narratives.
About SparX Indian History Month:
In January, we dive into India’s history. In a four-part Series, we immerse ourselves in the complex net of human experiences that has shaped our world today. Manu Pillai, a best selling writer and one of India’s leading voices on historical academia, joins us for an intimate and thought provoking conversation. For every history buff out there, you don't want to miss out on this!
Follow us on Instagram: @sparxbymukeshbansal Website: https://www.sparxbymukeshbansal.com You can also listen to SparX on all audio platforms Fasion | Outbreak | Courtesy EpidemicSound.com
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