The Positon of Women in the Buddhist Jatakas

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The role of women has been indispensable in every sphere of life. Men and women have been complimentary to each other. Without women the existence of man is not possible and universe will come to a standstill. The subject deals with the depiction of women in the different strata of the society in the Buddhist Jatakas. The author has analyzed and noticed every Jataka tale which reflects that the position of women at every level of the society was good and honorable. The Jatakas are the stories related to the previous lives of Lord Buddha. Each Jataka story is related with special incidents in the Buddha's life mixed with folklore, social conditions, customs and ideals. The Jatakas have a special significance for the students and researchers. As it intends to discuss the position of women in the Jatakas, Author has dealt with ideals, social customs, rituals and social conditions concerning women during the period of the Jatakas.
Contents include: Ancient India and Lord Buddha; The Royal Women; The Laity: The Clergy; Women at Home; Women in Public Life; Conclusion; Bibliography.

Dr. Ranjana Bhardwaj has done her Master's degree in History and Ph.D. on the position of woman in the different strata of society in the Buddhist Jatakas. She also has a Master's degree in the Library Science and Information from the Punjab University, Chandigarh. She is an approved Councilor of Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi and Punjab University School of Learning, Chandigarh. She has authored a number of research papers and participated in many National and International seminars and conferences. Presently she is teaching in the Institute of Social Sciences Education and Research (P.U.-ISSER), Punjab University, Chandigarh.

Man and woman have been complementary to each other. Without woman the existence of man is not possible and the universal system shall come to a standstill. In the Rgveda, it has also been mentioned that women were given equal opportunities in every field, inter-alia; social, political, economic, religious, legislative, administrative, adjudicative, agriculture, military. The religious ceremonies could not be performed without the participation of the woman. The Hindu God ArdhanariSvara Siva has been delineated in a composite form with his consort. Male and female are two integral parts and the two wheels on which the universe is running Durga, the Sakati has been shown killing the Asuras and protecting the society from their menace. It shows courage and capability of women in the battlefield. As such, men and women have equally contributed in the process of evolution of modern civilization. Through the ages she has played an important role in the development of the various disciplines as mentioned above. It also vindicates that their participation in the course of evolution of civilization and society was indispensable. The natural virtues of women-love, care, and selflessness are behind the development of society. Their role as mother, wife, daughter, working woman and nuns has been an essential constituent of the society. Thus, women are the essence of our social system. However, they did not receive their due recognition in male dominated society. In spite of discriminating attitude, women continued to serve the society. Women have never been mere commodities at any time in Indian culture and were never totally ignored in society. They have enjoyed an honourable status both inside and outside their homes.