Author: Geraldine Forbes
Publisher: Cambridge University press
Year: 2004
Language: English
Pages: 290
ISBN/UPC (if available): 0521612403
Description
In a sympathetic and comprehensive study of Indian women, Geraldine Forbes considers their recent history from the nineteenth century under colonial rule, to the twentieth century after Independence. The author begins with the reform movement, which was established by men to educate women, and demonstrates how education changed their lives and enabled them to take part in public life.
Through the women's own accounts of their lives and activities, she documents the formation of their organizations, their participation in the struggle for freedom, their role in the colonial economy, and the development of the women’s movement in India since 1947. By relying on first-hand accounts, the author has been able to compile an immediate and accessible record of the achievements of Indian women over the last two centuries which will be of interest not only to students of South Asia, but to anyone concerned with women and their history.
REVIEWS
Women in Modern India will be required reading from now on for those wishing to understand the history of Indian women, it is well re-searched, addresses a variety of debates, is clearly written, and above all, is scrupulously fair.
-Indian Review of Books
The author’s clear, vivid narrative is infused with deep sympathy for her subject and prolific scholarship.
-The Times Higher Education Supplement
This book is essential reading for everyone interested in Indian women.
-Journal of Asian Studies
This is a comprehensive and carefully put together record of the developments that shaped women’s lives in India during the 19th and 20th centuries.
-Sunday Herald (India)
Contents
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
GENERAL EDITOR'S PREFACE
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
A NOTE ON SPELLING
INTRODUCTION
Reform in the nineteenth century: efforts to modernize women’s roles
Education for women
The emergence of women’s organizations
The movement for women’s rights
Women in the nationalist movement
Women’s work in colonial India
A time of transition
Women in independent India
BIBLIOGRAPHIC ESSAY
INDEX