Growing up in a traditional Indian household, I come across huge variations in opinions about the smallest things. From the length of my skirt to the career I should choose, every member of my family has something different to put forward. But one pattern, which I have noticed is how the generational gap plays a significant role in the formation of ideologies.
But why is it that traditional mindsets are often misinterpreted as backward mindsets? Has our past been so conservative, that concepts like feminism, offering the right to choose for yourself, have been non-existent in our culture?
I think that the mole lies in the superficial understanding of the guiding principles of our tradition, their misinterpretation, and the excessive influence of Western concepts.
We often confuse feminism as a novel concept, a philosophy brought in by the West. When we think of it, feminism has been deliberated upon in Hinduism since time immemorial. This isn't about clashing narratives as to what gender equality is, but a deeper dive into the concept of feminism and how it has always been beyond the Western perspectives.
Hinduism has always been a religion of the seekers- offering a rich tapestry of traditions and belief in the power that governs. It has always venerated the feminine energy and regarded this "Shakti" as the ultimate force of creation that permeates the universe.
Another nuance of Shakti is the power that makes living beings capable of performing the duties they are meant to, regardless of their gender, and hence the driving force is considered to be equal for all genders. From the fierce Durga- the Goddess of protection from evil to the wise Saraswati- the Goddess of knowledge, wisdom, and personification of peace, Hinduism celebrates all forms of the divine feminine.
Sanskrit is regarded as the language of the Gods and hence, Sanskrit texts are considered sacrosanct. Sanskrit Epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata talk of the concept of 'Swayamavar', where women were given the sole right to challenge, test, and then choose their groom.
They also depict the stories of strong women like the compassionate Sita, and the courageous Draupadi, who controlled their lives on their terms when circumstances deprived them of the support of their male counterparts.
While there are various other instances of powerful women like Tara and Mandodari and intellectuals like Gargi and Maitereyi, who questioned the norms of society, Hinduism is also associated with several social evils.
Stree Dharma as mentioned in the scriptures, has been a concept of deliberation and re-examination.
Duties of a woman? or duties that could only be performed by women? Nurturing a child and motherhood is biologically designated to women, and it couldn't be any other way. It is the misinterpretations by various sections of the society that have molded mindsets to thinking that this aspect of the Hindu customs is orthodox. Patriarchal overlays have transformed Stree Dharma into a restrictive code, limiting women's freedom and potential. But when we think of it, it would be quite ironic, that a religion that personifies knowledge as a female figure, would promote depriving women of education. A religion that worships a goddess as a protector, would deny women of independence.
That being said, it is equally true that social evils like Sati, the abhorrent custom of widow immolation, and Brahmanical Patriarchy have been practiced in the name of religion.
A deviation from the core principles of Hinduism, these are misinterpretations of the true ideologies. These social evils have been, to a large extent, reformed in the past, but they need a constant push to be eliminated. That requires a mental revolution, a change in the mindsets of people. While women's rights are legally binding, female foeticides, child marriages, the dowry system, and rape still exist. Implementation is what will provide women the much-needed equity, and a change in the thought processes of people, where objectifying women is not humor and joking about women's rights is not normalized.
Afterall, we belong to the developing India, and
नार्यस्र्य तुराष्ट्रस्य श्वः।
Women are the Nation's future
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