Feminism: an Argument or Success

FEMINISM: An Argument or Success

In the context of the old family based mode of production In India, although they were definitely oppressed by men - women were not conscious of the limits imposed on their individual development and even less of the limits imposed on their fundamental social rights. First as a daughter, later as a wife and mother, a woman would spend her life within the confines of the home and the only society that she actually knew was that of the family basis. Women then begin to acquire a consciousness that pushes them to seek to defend their interests, and begin to see that they are discriminated against. They become aware of the fact that they have fewer rights than men.
"Feminism and Nationalism in India, 1917-1947" dictates the state of feminist movements during a wide range of history, but provides the belief of the feminist movement that was seen through the rise of Indian nationalism. Argument for feminist liberation resides on the power of Mahatma Gandhi who actively supported the various feminist movements that sought to derail the traditional patriarchal constructs of violence as a form of opposition:
[Gandhi] claimed that women were better than men in waging nonviolent passive resistance because they had greater capacity for self-sacrifice and endurance, were less self seeking, and had moral courage.
The history of feminism in India can be looked at as principally a "practical effort".
Argument 1:-
Beginning from the first inception of the Universe, there exists a fascinating myth associated with the creation of woman by the Supreme Creator, Brahma. And indeed, beginning from Brahma Himself, the idea of feminism in Indian literature, both oral and written, had begun to be established, though perhaps not as blatant as is today. It is said that Brahma had first created man and in his generosity, had desired to give man a companion. But by then he had depleted all the material in the creation of man and hence he had borrowed umpteen components from the handsome creation of nature and had thus made woman out of them. Hence the reference of woman as Prakriti. Brahma had introduced woman to his earlier creation man stating, "She will serve you lifelong and if you cannot live with her, neither can you live without her". The primeval myth carries an unambiguous implication of woman`s image in life and literature for centuries.
Argument 2:-
World`s two of the most prehistoric greatest of the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata by sages Valmiki and Vyasa, both by men have been written pivoting around two central characters Sita and Draupadi, both women. Thus was also born the very first nascent stages of feminism in the ancient Indian written literature, the illustration of which needs no further introduction - the tribulations of both Sita and Draupadi is perhaps realised by every Indian presently. The key role women played in literature and life in the past and present in both parts of the globe is equally significant. In ancient Vedic literature, women were elevated to Devis (Goddesses); they were turned into myths and legends. Her real identity of a woman however was provided by the primordial myth, that is social stereotypes which have been suggested, are two poles of feminine experience in the world. Sita absorbs all harshly imposed desolation and mortification of the male ego, whereas, Draupadi challenges the male ego to the epitomic limits of human excellence. Sita accepts, accommodates and withdraws; Draupadi resents, rejects and involves herself in the process of life as a protagonist. These two feminine archetypes define the limits of feminine experience in reality, especially the Indian literary reality. Even in the present day Indian literature, the gender divides moves between new `iconisations` of these two bold and prehistoric figures.
Post-Independent Feminism Concept and Redemption stature:-
In post-Independent India, the educated New Woman with economic independence and a search for identity does not belong totally to either of the two former categories - Brahmavadini or Sadyobadhu (the former denoting the ascetic kind in quest of truth, knowledge and spiritual pursuits, which sacrifices life for the society and the second category denoting the domestic woman, the daughter, wife and mother who dedicates herself to the welfare of the family. The images of woman in society and in Indian literature in the past and present mostly belong to the second category). She belongs to a fresh category, more down to earth, more human.
It can be stated with utmost sufficiency in the frame of S. Radhakrishnan that, Indian Women have inspired literature and the feminine theme has been a pivotal importance too. She herself is also a creator of literature and is all pervading. This is true of Indian literature also. Indian literature spans a rich variety of themes - from the theme of a conventional woman to that of the new woman, reflecting in the process the changes that have been going on in the society. Post-Independence literature in Indian and feminism portrays all these trends and voices, the clamouring of women for a new and just way of life. Over years, the age old image of the woman seems to be slowly blurring and gradually shading off into a new image.
Conclusion:-
Feminism in Indian literature, as can be most commonly conceived is a much sublime and over-the-top concept, which is most subtly handled under restricted circumstances. With advancement of time, however, feminism has been accepted in India, setting aside the patriarchal predomination to certain extent. Leaving aside the activists and campaigner’s of the political and social scenario, perhaps massive work of feminism is also accomplished through Indian literature. Yet, prior to comprehending a more intense look into feminist literature in India, it is necessary to grasp the essential concept of the term `feminism` in the country`s context, beginning from its inception.