Feminism, Tradition and Modernity

Two major excellencies make this volume significant: its relevance and richness. A lot of women in India today is by no means satisfactory. Our own writers on feminism have made it very clear, with the help of both argument and well-researched evidence. But the mere diagnosis is hardly enough. We have to find ways to remedy the ills. Would it be proper to quietly acquiesce in, and follow the measures suggested by feminist writers in the West? Or do we have to look at what still saves the Indian family from utter dissolution, and turn anew to our ancient text, often misconstrued, for some sage counsel that may help us in the present? Does modernity call for a wholesale rejection of our time-honoured values? And does it make sense to impose alien modes of thought and conduct on any society without paying due heed to what has kept it up so long? It is such questions of the moment, which the present work addresses and analyses and suggestions are provided by eminent scholars from diverse fields. Political scientists, sociologists, histories, creative writers, and philosophers—all have contributed to make this work a potential academic stimulus. It may even prove to be an influence.