Women's Struggles In Rajasthan (Crossing Barriers, Claiming Space)

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Our interest in women's history of Rajasthan was aroused during our association with the anti-sati agitation in the state in the aftermath of the Roop Kanwar sati incident in Deorala in 1987. The agitation against the inhuman practice naturally stimulated a curiosity to trace the history of women's activism in different states of erstwhile Rajputana. The quest led us to the perturbing discovery that despite women's significant role in the spheres of spiritualism, politics, social reform and education there is inadequate coverage of their contribution in the public domain. It was indeed surprising that struggles of these feisty and spirited women have remained unsung in history as well as in public memory. Information about their lives is scarce, scattered and sketchy. They find cursory mention in the biographies of their husbands or in the brief (barely single or half page) biographical sketches of freedom fighters. The women who were involved in institution-building often find space in the commemoration volumes or reports of the institutions. However, these prosaic and superficial accounts do not capture the poignant details of their harsh struggles and the passion that defined their endeavors in different spheres.

Quite strangely even activists who have been working in the region in the realm of education and social change at the grassroots level were not acquainted with their work. Google and other popular search internet engines that unfailingly provide information on all themes do not make even perfunctory references to these women.

**Contents and Sample Pages**