Making the 'Woman'

This insightful volume explores the representation and agency of women in 18th and 19th-century India, as discussed in Making the 'Woman'.

The book Making the 'Woman' delves into the complex representation of women, their agency, and subjectivity within the context of 18th and 19th-century India. It features a collection of essays that critically examine the discourses surrounding 'women' and 'gender' during this period, shaped by a multitude of competing actors, practices, and institutions. The contributors explore how societal norms influenced the roles and identities of women, revealing the intricate dynamics of gender relations in a rapidly changing historical landscape.

Through its diverse chapters, Making the 'Woman' highlights the multifaceted process of 'making the woman' across various regions and subject areas. The essays seek to uncover the contradictions and differences in women's social experiences and identity formations, showcasing the rich tapestry of women's lives in a time marked by both tradition and transformation. Additionally, the volume addresses prevailing notions of masculinity and femininity, examining both normative and non-conformist expressions of gender and sexual identity.

This collection offers valuable insights into the intersectional interplay of gender with other social categories such as caste, class, race, region, and empire. By presenting unique understandings of our gendered pasts, Making the 'Woman' is poised to be an essential resource for scholars and researchers engaged in history, gender studies, and South Asian studies.