Indian Women in Politics

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction What is politics?: Its relationship with other walks of life men in politics vis-a-vis women in politics. 2. The status of Indian women over the ages. 3. Women freedom fighters of India and women\'s ancillary role in freedom movement. 4. A bird\'s eye-view of women\'s status after Independence. 5. Women at the grass-root level. 6. Women upliftment in the urban setting. 7. Women in Indian legislatures. 8. Women who have made their mark in politics. 9. Profile of Prominent political women of India. 10. Balance sheet of gains and non-gains. Appendices. Index.

"Among the gender based issues that have come up for intensive studies in the recent days, empowerment including politicalization of women is a prominent one. The glorious past of the Indian women of the Vedic times has not only faded into insignificance but degraded to the level of an abject subjugation of women during the last few centuries and it is for the first time in recent history that honest attempts have been made to ameliorate their lot, so far as political and other fields are concerned not only in India but all over the world.

This book attempts to survey these attempts at a revival of the political status of Indian women particularly in the context of 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution of India, which came into force in April 1993 and June 1993, for their upliftment in rural and urban areas respectively and the prospects of a similar bill for the reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies eagerly awaiting consideration in the Lok Sabha for the last few years. " (jacket)