Gupta Period:
Que. Evaluate the status of women in the Gupta period as compared to the pre–Gupta era. [UPSC CSE-2023]
Introduction:
The Gupta period, spanning from approximately 320 to 550 CE, witnessed significant socio-cultural developments in ancient India. The status of women during the Gupta period marked both continuities and changes when compared to the pre-Gupta era. While patriarchal norms persisted, there were certain advancements in women’s roles, rights, and cultural expressions.
Evaluation of the status of women in the pre-Gupta period in comparison with the Gupta period:
(1) Continuities in Patriarchal Norms: In both the pre-Gupta and Gupta eras, Indian society adhered to patriarchal norms that governed familial and societal structures. Women were generally subject to male authority, and their roles were primarily confined to domestic spheres. The idealized concept of pativratā, emphasizing a woman’s devotion to her husband, persisted, highlighting the subordinate status of women within the family.
(2) Advancements in Education and Participation: During the Gupta period, there was a noticeable improvement in the status of women in terms of education and participation in cultural and intellectual activities. Women from elite families had greater access to education, and some notable women scholars emerged during this time. Gargi, the renowned female philosopher mentioned in the Upanishads, exemplifies the continuity of intellectual engagement, while scholars like Vishnusharma and Kalidasa acknowledged the intellectual contributions of women in their works.
(3) Changes in Economic Roles: In the pre-Gupta era, women were primarily engaged in household activities and cottage industries. However, during the Gupta period, economic roles expanded, especially for women in urban centers. Trade and commerce flourished, leading to the emergence of skilled artisan communities where women actively participated. Epigraphic evidence suggests the involvement of women in professions such as weaving, pottery, and other crafts.
(4) Religious and Cultural Expressions: Women’s participation in religious and cultural expressions saw notable changes during the Gupta period. The emergence of devotional Bhakti movements provided opportunities for women to engage in religious practices. The worship of goddesses gained prominence, and female deities like Saraswati and Lakshmi became subjects of reverence. Temples dedicated to goddesses allowed women to participate in religious rituals, reflecting a shift in cultural attitudes.
(5) Legal Rights and Social Recognition: While patriarchal norms persisted, Gupta period inscriptions and legal texts indicate certain legal rights and social recognition for women. The Dharmashastra texts, such as the Manusmriti, acknowledged women’s rights to inheritance, property, and maintenance. The inscription of Chandragupta II at Dashavatara Temple mentions the grant of land to a guild of female musicians, suggesting a degree of economic autonomy and social recognition for women in specific professions.
(6) Decline in Widowhood Practices: The Gupta period witnessed a decline in some oppressive widowhood practices that were prevalent in the pre-Gupta era. Sati, or the practice of self-immolation by widows, became more prominent in later centuries, and during the Gupta period, there is limited evidence of its prevalence. While the ideal of pativratā persisted, the outright glorification of widow immolation was not as prevalent as it would become in later periods.
(7) Iconography and Artistic Representations: Artistic representations during the Gupta period showcased women in a variety of roles, reflecting societal attitudes. Sculptures and paintings depicted women as goddesses, queens, and even commoners engaged in various activities. The depiction of goddesses such as Saraswati and Lakshmi emphasized the divine feminine, contributing to a more nuanced portrayal of women in art and culture.
Conclusion:
The status of women in the Gupta period exhibited both continuities and changes compared to the pre-Gupta era. While patriarchal norms persisted, advancements in education, economic roles, legal rights, and cultural expressions contributed to a more complex and nuanced understanding of women’s roles in ancient Indian society. The Gupta period laid the groundwork for subsequent developments in the status of women in the Indian subcontinent.
