The paper operates at the interstices of two main lines of inquiries: How far women were glorified in the context of Indian Nationalism? Why their heroism was blatantly camouflaged by male chauvinism? Multiple shades of heroism, heterogeneity of diverse cultures and religions were encapsulated in the early 20th cent. freedom movement of India. The paper unravels how the super-imposed patriarchy held women’s actions at bay; and how in the last, they were drawn into the whirlpool of the movement. Nonetheless, the subtlety of their heroism created a deep mark in the history of Modern India. The paper explores the integration of disparate ideological and political groupings; and an eclectic blend of women’s aestheticism and the chivalrous masculinity of men.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Testing the Mettle:
- Road to Militant Nationalism:
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper investigates the role of women in the Indian nationalist movement from 1857 to 1947, exploring the interplay of female heroism and patriarchal constraints. It aims to understand why women's contributions to the struggle for independence were often overshadowed by male narratives and how they ultimately found their place in the movement.
- The glorification of women in the context of Indian Nationalism
- The impact of patriarchal structures on women's political participation
- The evolution of women's roles in the nationalist movement across different phases
- The influence of religious revivalism and cultural symbolism on women's participation
- The intersection of gender, religion, and politics in the Indian nationalist movement
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Abstract: The paper outlines the main themes of investigation, focusing on women's role in the Indian Nationalist movement, their heroism, and the influence of patriarchy.
- Introduction: This section introduces the central questions the paper addresses, namely, how women were portrayed in the context of Indian nationalism, and why their contributions were often downplayed. The section also highlights the cultural norms and myths that limited women's political participation.
- Testing the Mettle: This section explores the role of women in the Indian nationalist movement during the period of 1857 to 1947, highlighting significant figures like Rani Laxmibai and Swarnadevi Chaudhurani. It analyzes how women challenged patriarchal norms and contributed to the struggle for independence.
- Road to Militant Nationalism: This section delves into the rise of militant nationalism in Bengal and how women participated in revolutionary movements, engaging in activities like sheltering revolutionaries and acting as couriers. It discusses the role of women in the broader context of goddess-centred nationalist rhetoric and their involvement in the movement for independence.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key themes and concepts explored in this paper are: Indian nationalism, female heroism, freedom movement, patriarchy, cultural norms, religious revivalism, and the evolving roles of women in political activism.
- Quote paper
- Anusua Chowdhury (Author), 2013, Cutting against the grain: Women in politics, picking up the gauntlet of nationalist struggle from-1857-1947, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/263802
