Women and Marriage in India (Routledge Library Editions: Marriage)

Women in the thraldom of man has led sometimes, in one form or another, to the most horrible abuses. In this book, originally published in 1939, the author traces and analyses the institutions of marriage and family in India. The women of India, after their ancient matriarchal supremacy, declined into medieval degradation and slavery, brought about by subtle and prolonged subjugation by men through the instrumentality of legal restraints, supposed religious grounds, the Purdah, child-marriage and widow-burning. These iniquities were practised under the sanctified excuse of matrimony. The author points out, in this objective sociological study, practical methods of emancipation of Indian women, and urges the necessity for a radical change of values which would give the greater impetus to these vitally necessary reforms. The book is of especial interest as a sociological study of a curious and cruel form of organized inhumanity. Today it can be read and enjoyed in its historical context. This book is a re-issue originally published in 1939. The language used and views portrayed are a reflection of its era and no offence is meant by the Publishers to any reader by this re-publication.