Chastity in Ancient Indian Texts: Precept, Practice, and Portrayal

This book explores the representation and practice of chastity in ancient Indian texts, examining how it was intertwined with social, cultural, and economic notions. It delves into the social and reproductive rights of women and the interinfluence of religious traditions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 156 pages
Publication date: 23 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate tapestry of chastity in ancient India, exploring its representation and practice across a selection of influential texts. It traces the origins of this concept, unraveling the intricate web of its entanglement with social, cultural, and economic notions of Indian society. Drawing upon seminal Indian texts like the MahāPurāṇas, Rāmāyaṇa, Mahābhārata, Sattasaī, and the Jātakas, the volume delves into the social and reproductive rights of women, examining the norms of chastity, virginity, and Pātivratya, which were interpreted and enforced within a patriarchal hierarchy. It also examines the interplay between various religious traditions that emerged on the concept of chastity, shedding light on the ideologies they subsequently shaped.

A comprehensive exploration of sexuality and gender in early India, this book serves as a vital resource for students, teachers, and researchers alike. It offers valuable insights into gender studies, literature, women's studies, women's rights, feminism, South Asian studies, and social history of Ancient India. By examining the complexities of chastity and its historical context, the book provides a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between gender, sexuality, and power in ancient Indian society.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138364134