Women and the Puranic Tradition in India

This book analyses the diverse ways in which women have been represented in the Puranic traditions in ancient India - the virtuous wife, mother, daughter, widow, and prostitute.

List of contents

Abbreviations. Notes on Transliteration. Notes on Primary Texts. Foreword. Preface. Acknowledgements. Introduction. Chapter I: The Shaping of the Purāṇic Narrative and Gender Chapter II: Women’s Identity and Purāṇic Patriarchy Chapter III: Women Outside the Family Circle: Not Bound, Not Free Chapter IV: Vratas, Rituals, and the Purāṇic Social Hierarchy. Some Parting Thoughts. Appendix: A Brief Note on the Purāṇic Scholarship. Glossary. Bibliography. Index

About the author

Monika Saxena is an associate professor of history at the University of Delhi, India. She has been associated with undergraduate and postgraduate teaching at the university. Her research focuses on the roles and representations of women in early India. Some of her important works are "Gaṇikās in Early India: A Socio-Economic Perspective" and "Temple Girls in Early Medieval North India: A Study in Gender Relations." She has contributed in journals and has participated in conferences and workshops.

Summary

This book analyses the diverse ways in which women have been represented in the Puranic traditions in ancient India — the virtuous wife, mother, daughter, widow, and prostitute.

Product details

• Authors: Monika Saxena, Monika (Associate Professor of History Saxena
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.12.2018
• EAN: 9781138286412
• ISBN: 978-1-138-28641-2
• No. of pages: 288
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology > General, dictionaries; Social sciences, law, business > Sociology > Sociological theories; History, Sociology, Cultural Studies, PHILOSOPHY / General, Asia, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Gender Studies, HISTORY / Ancient / General, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Sociology of Religion, Philosophy, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Anthropology / Cultural & Social, LITERARY CRITICISM / Asian / General, RELIGION / Sexuality & Gender Studies, Religion: general, Literature: history & criticism, Ancient History, Gender studies, gender groups, Ancient history: to c 500 CE, Literature: history and criticism, LITERARY CRITICISM / Subjects & Themes / Gender Identity