Routledge Women and the Puranic Tradition in India - Book

Explore the complex representation of women in ancient India through this scholarly work by Routledge. This book examines how various female roles were depicted within the Puranic traditions between CE 300 and 1000. It looks at the different images presented in these ancient narratives, including the roles of wife, mother, daughter, widow, and prostitute. Unlike the Smritis, which were primarily accessible to the upper sections of society, the Puranas serve as broad-based socio-religious literature. This text provides an analysis of these Brahmanical narratives to help readers understand the socio-religious milieu of the era. By locating and commenting on the multiplicity of female depictions, this book offers a deep look into the historical social and urban history of the period. It is an essential resource for students and researchers interested in ancient Indian literature and gender studies.