Author: Arpita Mandal & Dr. Gokul Ch. Patra
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/04032004
Abstract: Women’s empowerment has emerged as a central discourse in contemporary educational and developmental studies. However, its philosophical and cultural foundations in ancient Indian civilization remain comparatively underexplored in modern scholarship. This study examines the traditions of women’s empowerment in ancient India and analyzes their influence on contemporary women’s education. Using a qualitative historical-documentary research method, the study critically investigates Vedic literature, Upanishadic texts, Smritis, and classical Indian philosophical sources, along with modern policy documents and scholarly interpretations. The findings indicate that women in early Vedic society enjoyed considerable intellectual, spiritual, and educational agency, though these freedoms declined in subsequent historical periods. The study further argues that contemporary educational reforms, including gender-inclusive policies and the vision of equitable education, reflect foundational principles embedded in ancient Indian traditions. The paper concludes that a balanced integration of indigenous wisdom and modern educational frameworks can contribute to a more inclusive and transformative model of women’s education. The study also identifies ongoing challenges in integrating women’s empowerment into modern education, such as gender stereotypes, unequal learning opportunities, safety concerns, and limited access to leadership roles.
Keywords: Women’s Empowerment, Ancient India, Women’s Education, Indigenous Knowledge, Educational Transformation, Gender Equality.
Page No: 25-34