ENHANCING WOMEN POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN INDIA

THE female identity has often been questioned and triggered, by the preconceived notions of the society.

- BHAVYA SACHDEVA

The prejudice against women in politics stayed in place for the longest time, confronted with structural, social, institutional, and cultural obstacles. However, today, with awareness and education women have not only started speaking up for their rights, but the shift to equate the participation of women on the forefront as leadership roles in itself feels like an accomplishment after years of struggle.

The social codes of ancient Indian society tended to straitjacket elite women into domestic roles, denying them entry into the political sphere. But denying these codes, many women played indirect and sometimes even direct roles in the exercise of political power. The ancient Indian scripture Arthashastra recognises women's political agency. In the Mahabharata, Draupadi plays an active role within the dialogue to make a decision whether or not the Pandavas ought to move to war. In ancient Tamil Sangam poetry, we have evidence of women diplomats and advisors during Chola reign.