Jati, Lingbhav, Pitrasatta evam Dharam : Stri Chhavi ke Sandarbh me

Abstract

This research paper attempts to clarify certain aspects related to the image of women in the past and present, focusing on how their condition was deplorable and lamentable in the past and remains largely unchanged even today. The primary reasons for the poor and miserable status of women in Indian society are attributed to the patriarchal system and Manusmriti-based ideology. The study also briefly discusses the dual exploitation faced by women in patriarchal society, especially those belonging to marginalized groups such as Dalits, tribals, and minorities. Religious doctrines have also hindered women's progress, sometimes becoming so aggressive as to obliterate their very existence. Women have been victims of gender discrimination from ancient times to the present. Overall, this research highlights how caste-based, religious, gender-based, and patriarchal societal structures have created obstacles—religiously, socially, and economically—on the path of women's existence, identity, and personality development, effectively preventing their progress.