Tradition and Liberation

Examines the role of the Hindu tradition in the ideology and methodology of the Indian women's movement. It considers both how the Indian women's movement has conceptualised the position of women in the Hindu tradition and how it has challenged this position, concentrating on reference to the tradition.

Robinson, Catherine A

The Hindu tradition and the Indian Women's Movement; the "woman question" in India - reform, revival and the Hindu renaissance; the "awakening" of Indian women - the emergence of the women's movement; "women's uplift" - the appeal to Hindu beliefs and values; "equal rights" - the appeal to liberal beliefs and values; legislation and change - campaigning for women's rights; the contemporary debate - activists, academics and the Hindu tradition; conclusion - tradition and liberation.