Journal of Women's Studies: University of North Bengal, Vol. 13

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://ir.nbu.ac.in/handle/123456789/5660

Editorial

I am delighted to present the thirteenth issue of the Journal of Women’s Studies University of North Bengal (ISSN 2320 3625), a peer reviewed and refereed Journal.

This volume incorporates the diverse arena of gender issues related to women’s identity as in literature, her dichotomy to balance between tradition and modernity, women in politics, representation of women in mythologies, in colonial photography, the status of marginalized women and women with disabilities. It contains nine articles which are an expression of largely unspoken and theoretically unarticulated issues of women revealing the presence of patriarchy and gender disparity. As Edward Said reminds, “My argument is that history is made by men and women, just as it can also be unmade and rewritten, always with various silence and elisions, always with shapes imposed and disfigurements tolerated” (Culture and Imperialism,1994) and hence, it is significant to rework, remake and reproduce expressions and dialogues of women either unheard or over looked in the understanding of gender studies.

This issue focusses on key concepts such as patriarchy, intersectionality and of experiences of oppression and inclusiveness. It refers to a social system that privileges men and subordinate’s women in various aspects of life. The first article by Dr. Varun Kumar Roy titled ‘Women and Contemporary Politics during the times of Babur and Humayun’ explores the role of royal women in politics in medieval India in which women were deprived from active participation in public sphere and formal political institutions yet they could create influence and space in contemporary political discourse. The article of Mayuri Bhagat titled “The Female Companions of the Angry Young Men: A Comparative Study of John Osborne’s Look Back in Anger and Bratya Basu’s Hemlat” where women as companions of men serve as a support, care yet suffer from insecurities and frustrations. Representing the characters of Sita, Soorpanakha and Eve in ‘Daring Tell the Tale: A Thematic Analysis of Feminist Retellings of Popular Mythological Narratives’ by Shrestha Bandopadhyay relooks the mythologies from a feminist perspective challenging the gender norms identified in the society. The article titled ‘Tradition Versus Modernity: A Comparative Study of Sunity Devee and Gayatri Devi Works (1921-1976)’written by Sulakshana Lama tries to understand the autobiographies of royal queens as Sunity Devi of Cooch Behar and Gayatri Devi of Jaipur and theirdichotomy in balancing the tradition and modernity within the male dominant society.

Intersectionality recognises gender as not only axis of oppression but that it intersects with the other forms of identity such as race, class, and sexuality, shaping women’s experiences of oppression and struggles. Santosh Mahaldar in his article “Double Vulnerability: Understanding Disability through Everyday Experiences of Women with Disabilities – a Brief Treatise” examines the subjugation of the marginalised voices and mistreatment faced by the women with disabilities. The article “Unearthing the Silent Narratives of Women of Darjeeling in Colonial Photography (1835-1947)” by Sourav Sarkar explores the colonial male perspective in representing the women from ethnic groups as Lepchas, Tamangs, Bhutias through the lens of British camera. Photography served as a gendered imperialist project for the British in Darjeeling. Dr. Purnima Roy in the article “Educational Scenario of Tribal Women in Dooars and Terai” identifies the causes, challenges and problems faced by the tribal women in education and provides the suggestions for removing illiteracy from the women of tribal communities of Terai and Dooars of North Bengal.

Understanding collective identities and struggling to eliminate muteness by structural representation in politics is important aspect of efforts for gender equality. Supriya Chanda’s article ‘Evaluating the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam 2023: A Critical Analysis of Women’s Reservation in Indian Politics’examines the importance of diversity and inclusivity of women in political system of the country. In the article titled “Understanding the Status of Matua Women in the 20th and 21st Centuries in Bengal” by Sanchayeeta Goldar speaks of ‘Matri Sena’, an independent women’s organization within the marginalised women of Matua fold, which tries to bring forth gender equality and women’s empowerment through women’s leadership.

The journal has followed a blind– folded review process in accepting the articles keeping in view of the observations and suggestions provided by the esteemed reviewers. I would like to express my gratitude to the honoured reviewers whose insights and suggestions undoubtedly enriched the content of this volume. Furthermore, I extend my appreciation and thanks to all the contributors whose dedication and scholarly endeavours have brought forth significant areas of research in gender studies, contributing immensely to the academic dialogue.

I convey my gratitude to the Honourable Vice Chancellor, University of North Bengal, The Registrar and The Finance Officer for their support in this academic endeavour. I am grateful for the cooperation and support from the colleagues of the Department of Women’s Studies in publishing this journal. A special thanks to Dr. Beethika Moni Dutta for her efforts and support. A heartfelt thanks to Dr. Shubhrojyoti Kundu for designing the cover page of the journal. The unfailing cooperation and help of the officials and staffs of the North Bengal University Press is greatly remembered for publishing the journal.

Editor

Dr. Dahlia Bhattacharya

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    Educational Scenario of Tribal Women in Dooars and Terai
    (University of North Bengal, 2024-12) Roy, Purnima
    In Dooars and Terai of North Bengal, Adivasi women have been suffering from illiteracy due to lack of proper education. The article focuses on the status and condition of their educational scenario and the hurdles faced by them in doing so. It is surveyed that the maximum number of women in tribal families are engaged mainly in tea garden. It also looked that they do not have interest in education and the Government facilities are not sufficient too to support their society. So, the gap between the general communities and the Scheduled Tribes in Dooars and Terai region in terms of low literacy may be attributed to different issues and the tribes remain illiterate in comparison to other societies.
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    Unearthing the Silent Narratives of Women of Darjeeling in Colonial Photography (1835-1947)
    (University of North Bengal, 2024-12) Sarkar, Sourav
    Photography, introduced to India shortly after its European invention, became a pivotal tool in documenting and shaping colonial life. In Darjeeling, amidst the scenic eastern Himalayas, photography captured the region's exotic appeal and socio-economic changes under British rule. This article explores the visual representation of women in colonial Darjeeling, revealing how photographs perpetuated imperialist ideologies while offering insights into women's lives and agency. By examining images of women tea plantation workers, local elites, and everyday individuals, this study highlights how photography both reflected and constructed colonial experiences, reinforcing stereotypes and justifying British rule through narratives of primitiveness and the need for a civilizing influence. Despite many exploitative depictions, some photographs also showcase women's resilience and contributions to the colonial economy and society. This research underscores photography's importance as a historical document and medium of expression, providing valuable insights into the gendered dynamics of colonialism and the broader imperialist project in Darjeeling. Through these lens, we better understand the interplay between power, representation, and identity in colonial India, appreciating the multifaceted role of women in shaping and being shaped by the visual culture of the time.
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    Understanding the Status of Matua Women in 20th and 21st Centuries in Bengal
    (University of North Bengal, 2024-12) Goldar, Sanchayeeta
    The Matua community primarily comprised of lower caste individuals from East Bengal (now Bangladesh) were united under the leadership of Sri Sri Hari Chand Thakur as part of an anti-caste religious movement. His son Guru Chand Thakur, later strengthened this movement, focusing on truth, purity of character, and gender equality. He emphasized on education, self-reliance, and societal respect for the community, who historically suffered from caste-based untouchability and forced migration due to communal conflicts. This present paper will analyse the contemporary socio-cultural and economic conditions of Matua women in Bengal. It highlights the significant role of ‘Matri Sena’, an independent women’s organization within the Matua fold, which underscores the commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Despite progress in education and reduced discrimination, Matua women still face economic challenges and societal stereotypes. This study explores their ongoing struggles and efforts to improve their status, reflecting on the broader implications for social justice and gender equality within marginalized communities.
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    Women and contemporary politics during the times of Babur and Humayun
    (University of Northe Bengal, 2024-12) Roy, Varun Kumar
    The historical narrative of Babur and his family underscores the pivotal yet often underappreciated role of women in the political arena of the Mughal dynasty. Ehsan Daulat Begam's exemplary leadership during Babur's formative years not only safeguarded his claim to power but also demonstrated the significant influence women could wield within a patriarchal framework. Her ability to navigate complex political challenges and maintain stability in the court reflects a broader theme of women's active participation in governance during this era, countering prevalent stereotypes of female passivity. Moreover, figures such as Mahim Begam and Bibi Mubarika illustrate how women were not just supportive figures but key players in the shaping of political strategies and alliances. Their involvement in military campaigns, diplomatic relations, and the management of the household highlights the multifaceted roles women occupied, significantly influencing the direction and consolidation of Babur's rule and, by extension, the Mughal Empire. The contributions of these women extend beyond their immediate context, resonating through generations and impacting the political landscape of their time. Their legacies serve as a reminder of the essential need to reassess historical narratives, recognizing and valuing the instrumental roles women have played in shaping history. This nuanced understanding enriches our comprehension of the socio-political dynamics of the past and emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in historical discourse. Thus, the accounts of Babur’s family indeed reflect not only the complexities of power dynamics within their immediate context but also the enduring capacity of women to influence and determine the course of history, challenging the traditional paradigms of leadership and authority.