4-2: Women in Modern India | Geraldine Forbes (1996) | Volume IV: The evolution of contemporary South Asia | The New Cambridge History of India

Women in Modern India | Geraldine Forbes (1996)

Overview

Women in Modern India by Geraldine Forbes is a significant contribution to The New Cambridge History of India series that delves into the social, political, cultural, and economic evolution of Indian women from the 19th century through the post-independence period. Released in 1996, this volume provides a detailed chronological and thematic exploration of how colonialism, nationalism, and modernization altered the roles and rights of women in Indian society.
Forbes's research is particularly notable for amplifying women's voices, reform movements, and the agency of Indian women within a colonial and patriarchal framework.

Key Themes and Highlights

Colonialism and the “Woman Question”

The book opens with an analysis of how British colonial dominance reshaped views on Indian women:

• British evaluations of practices such as Sati, child marriage, and purdah as indicators of Indian “backwardness”
• The rise of the “woman question” within colonial discussions: What reforms could be introduced to Indian society while adhering to its cultural identity?
• The impact of colonial legislation and education on initial reforms

Social Reform Movements

Forbes discusses the 19th-century social reform initiatives spearheaded by prominent figures such as:

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and Jyotirao Phule
• Focus on female education, the remarriage of widows, and the elimination of detrimental customs
• The rise of educated middle-class women actively engaging in reform and public affairs

Women and Nationalism

One compelling segment of the book examines Indian women's involvement in the struggle for independence:

• Annie Besant, Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, Aruna Asaf Ali, among others, took significant roles
• Gandhi’s initiatives promoted women's widespread participation through spinning, protests, and picketing
• The symbolic presence of “Mother India” and its influence on national identity

Post-Independence India: Progress and Struggles

Following 1947, Indian women achieved legal equality through:

• The enactment of the Hindu Code Bills, affording women rights in inheritance and marriage
• Greater access to education and employment opportunities
• Engagement in politics, with leaders like Indira Gandhi ascending to the role of Prime Minister

Nonetheless, the book also addresses ongoing issues:

• Gender-based violence, dowry murders, and restricted educational access in rural areas
• The rise of the women’s movement in the 1970s and 1980s, advocating for reproductive rights, justice, and equality

Regional and Religious Diversity

Forbes emphasizes the varied experiences of Indian women across caste, class, religion, and geographical regions:

• Challenges faced by Muslim women concerning purdah and personal laws
• The double marginalization of Dalit and Adivasi women
• Regional studies illustrating diverse roles in familial structures, economies, and social activism

About the Author: Geraldine Forbes

Geraldine Forbes is a prominent historian and professor emerita at the State University of New York, Oswego.

• She specializes in South Asian history and women's studies.
• Her research is recognized for giving representation to non-elite and regional women.
• Forbes's work is esteemed in feminist historiography and widely utilized in academic settings.

Why This Book Is Important

• This is the first thorough academic history of women in modern India.
• It draws on personal diaries, letters, speeches, court documents, and memoirs of Indian women.
• It aids readers in comprehending the continuity and evolution of gender roles within Indian society.
• This book serves as an essential resource for both historical insights and contemporary discussions on gender.

Who Should Read This?

• Students engaged in women's studies, Indian historical perspectives, or postcolonial analysis
• Scholars and researchers focused on gender issues, reform initiatives, and societal transformation
• UPSC/CSS candidates seeking understanding of gender dynamics and social reform
• Individuals with an interest in feminist narratives and Indian societal structure