HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF WOMEN'S ROLES AND STATUS IN ANCIENT INDIAN RELIGIOUS TEXTS AND EPICS: A CRITICAL AND COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

The status and role of women in ancient Indian society have been subjects of extensive scholarly debate and historical inquiry. Ancient Indian religious texts and epics provide valuable insights into the social, religious, political, and cultural positions occupied by women across different periods. The Vedas, Upanishads, Smritis, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas reflect diverse and evolving perspectives regarding women's rights, responsibilities, participation in religious activities, education, marriage, and governance. This study critically examines the historical evolution of women's roles and status in ancient Indian religious texts and epics through a comparative analysis of major literary and religious sources. The research explores the transition from the relatively liberal status of women during the Vedic period to the more restrictive frameworks that emerged in later periods. It further investigates the representation of influential female figures such as Gargi, Maitreyi, Sita, Draupadi, Kunti, Savitri, and others within the broader context of social and religious institutions. The study reveals that ancient Indian literature presents a complex and multidimensional portrayal of women, encompassing both empowerment and subordination. The paper contributes to historical, religious, gender, and cultural studies by providing a comprehensive understanding of women's evolving status in ancient Indian civilization.