WOMEN IN JAINISM: A Case Study of Gujarat Inscriptions

Jainism, like all other religions, was a patriarchal religion. However, it adopted a liberal attitude towards women in certain respects. But, did it practise what it preached? The book addresses the issue by taking the case of Jainas of Gujarat. This epigraphical study is an attempt to understand Jaina women’s world-view, as far as possible, from their own sources, namely, women’s inscriptions belonging to second millennium. It also attempts to locate modifications taking place in the patriarchal ideals during the period of study.

All those interested in women’s issues, epigraphy and Jainism will find this book interesting and useful.

Mrinal Joshi has taught at masters level as visiting faculty at S.N.D.T Women’s University, Mumbai. Her core area of interest is women’s history. She has presented papers at various seminars. She has contributed articles in books and some of her papers have also been published in the journals of the Epigraphical Society of India.