CHENNAI: Even as India has progressed much since Independence, there still remain similarities in the way women are treated today, said Indian historian Professor Romila Thapar, here on Wednesday. Delivering the annual IWA (International Women’s Association) Endowment Lecture at a packed Museum Theatre, the eminent historian spoke on the topic of women in the societies of early India. “Historical writings depicting Indian society were written to portray it in the best way possible. Since it was written mostly by the upper castes, they tended to overlook a lot of things,” said Professor Thapar. Women were treated as a single category and there was little difference between women of general social strata, she said. Citing examples of Gargi the philosopher, and various other female figures from history, Professor Thapar said that they did not represent the large part of the women. “The ideal woman as described in the shastras was one who was an impeccable housewife and submissive to the will of her husband. In contrast were the dasis, women who were treated as property to be gifted and sold and listed as part of family wealth. They were of the lowest status but did the hardest work,” said Professor Thapar. She also said that the texts on women from early Indian writers circa 1000 BC ranged from adulation to outright contempt. “Patriarchy controls our society to this day, even though it is seemingly lessened,” she said. In relation to today’s society, the ideas of maintaining caste purity is reflected through the numerous honour killings that are reported throughout the country. Dowry deaths are also a part of this continuing trend, she said.
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