The Roots of Feminism in India

The roots of feminism in India trace back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, rooted in the country's social reform movements. Indian feminists sought to challenge oppressive practices like sati (widow immolation), child marriage, and caste-based discrimination, influenced by both indigenous traditions and Western ideas of equality. Key figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and early women leaders like Sarojini Naidu and Kamala Das advocated for women’s education, rights, and social status. Their efforts laid the foundation for modern Indian feminism, emphasizing women’s empowerment, education, and eventually political participation, aligning with broader anti-colonial struggles for independence.