Lessons from Ancient Indian Society on Gender Roles & Empowerment

Have We Misunderstood Equality in Modern Times?

Is modernity replacing ‘empowerment’ with ‘entitlement’? Have we discarded the wisdom of our ancestors in favor of imported ideas that fail to reflect our roots? What if true empowerment doesn’t lie in mimicking men but in celebrating the unique roles and responsibilities of women, as our ancient Indian society once did?

In the pursuit of equality, society has swapped a time-tested balance for chaos. But ancient India provides a blueprint where women thrived as queens, warriors, scholars, and leaders while maintaining harmony in familial and societal roles. What changed? And more importantly, what can we learn?

Empowered Women in Ancient India: A Forgotten Legacy

Contrary to popular belief, ancient India was a land where women were celebrated as the torchbearers of knowledge, power, and culture. While women were homemakers, this role did not limit their potential. Let’s revisit their legacy:

1. Women as Scholars & Philosophers

Women in ancient India had access to education and were revered for their intellectual prowess.

Gargi Vachaknavi:
A renowned philosopher, Gargi debated the great sage Yajnavalkya on metaphysical concepts in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. Her intellect earned her a place among the scholars of her time.

Maitreyi:
Another luminary from the Upanishadic age, Maitreyi was well-versed in Vedic scriptures and engaged in philosophical discussions with her husband, Yajnavalkya, demonstrating the equality of thought and inquiry.

These women were not anomalies but products of a society that valued wisdom over gender.

2. Women as Rulers & Warriors

Women were not confined to homes but wielded power and influence in governance and defense.

Rani Durgavati: A 16th-century queen, she led her kingdom with valor and fought against Mughal forces, showcasing her leadership and martial skills.

Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi: Revered for her bravery, she symbolized resistance during India’s First War of Independence.

Chand Bibi: A warrior queen, she defended Ahmednagar against invaders, proving that women could lead with strategy and courage.

Ancient Indian texts and traditions are replete with examples of women as Sarpanches (village heads) and administrators, shouldering responsibility alongside men.

3. Women as Creators of Harmony

Women’s roles as ‘homemakers’ were not a restriction but a celebration of their ability to nurture, manage, and lead.

Lopamudra, the wife of Sage Agastya, was not only a homemaker but also a poet who composed hymns in the Rigveda. Her partnership with Agastya exemplifies how women contributed to both household and spiritual enrichment.

The Wisdom of Balance

Ancient India recognized that societal harmony depended on balance, not uniformity. Women were given responsibilities in education, governance, and warfare while also being revered as custodians of dharma and cultural values. This harmonious balance was disrupted when external influences dismissed the role of homemakers as “subjugation” and equated equality with uniformity.

The Contrast with Modernity

Fast forward to today, and the story has changed:

The Myth of "Freedom": Women entering the workforce is seen as ‘liberation.’ However, it often comes at the cost of family stability. With no time to nurture homes, the rise of convenience-driven industries like Swiggy and Zomato has led to health crises such as obesity and diabetes.

The Illusion of Equality:
Women demand equal pay but expect additional privileges like reserved seats. Is this true equality, or selective empowerment?

The Loss of Identity:
Women once celebrated as warriors and scholars are now often reduced to their attire. While dressing is a personal choice, the disregard for societal impact raises questions about responsibility and accountability.

Lessons from the ‘Past’ for a ‘Better Future’

1.    True Liberty Lies in Responsibility

Gargi, Maitreyi, and Lopamudra enjoyed intellectual and social freedom while respecting societal harmony. Their liberty was not about breaking rules but about transcending them responsibly.

2.    Equality is Complementary, Not Identical

Ancient Indian society thrived because it recognized the unique strengths of men and women. Women like Rani Lakshmibai and Chand Bibi were warriors when needed, yet nurturers at heart. This complementarity ensured balance.

3.    Preserve What Works, Innovate What Doesn’t

Ancient Indian wisdom emphasized dharma, which balanced societal duties with individual rights. Today, in our rush to modernize, have we lost sight of what worked for centuries?

The Modern Marriage Conundrum

Today’s marriages often resemble corporate mergers rather than spiritual unions. When both partners focus solely on careers, questions like “Who cooks dinner?” or “Who takes care of the child?” become battlegrounds. It’s no wonder that divorce rates are soaring. Imagine if Gargi had demanded Yajnavalkya to step away from his philosophical debates to “share household chores.” The great debates of the Upanishads might never have existed!

Final Thoughts: Reclaiming Wisdom for the Modern Age

Are we chasing equality or abandoning harmony? Have we traded responsibility for convenience? Can we create a society where women can thrive in all roles — without losing the essence of what makes them unique?

The answers lie in revisiting our roots. The women of ancient India proved that true empowerment isn’t about imitation but about embracing individuality and responsibility. Perhaps the key to a balanced future is not in breaking fences but understanding why they were built in the first place.