Debating Patriarchy

The Hindu Code Bill Controversy in India (1941-1956)
1. Auflage 2012
ISBN: 978-0-19-807894-4
Verlag: Hurst & Co.

Buch, Englisch, 312 Seiten, Format (B × H): 224 mm x 147 mm, Gewicht: 508 g

The book explores a significant episode of Indian social history, the Hindu Code Bill controversy that stirred the Indian social consciousness in the mid-twentieth century. Revisiting the communicative processes surrounding the reform of Hindu customary laws relating to marriage, divorce, succession, adoption and maintenance, the book provides an in-depth account of the intense debate that took place in and outside the legislature involving political groups, social associations, religious
organizations, legal associations, and the women's movement. Placing the debate in a historical continuum, the author tracess the genesis of the Hindu Code Bill by exploring the linkages of late eighteenth century initiatives of colonial administration, the efforts of eighteenth century social reformers,
and the contribution of Indian national movement as well as women's organizations in early twentieth century. The book analyses the relationship of discourses in the public and legislative spheres and emphases the role of Nehru, Ambedkar, B.N. Rau and other prominent personalities in the promotion of gender justice. The book argues that while effective implementation of enabling legal provisions were impeded by deeply entrenched patriarchal structures in Independent India, the debate
contributed towards a gradual transformation of the Indian social consciousness, thus contributing towards gender justice in Indian society.

This book will interest scholars, researchers, and students of law, modern Indian history, and gender studies. It will also appeal to general readers.

Zielgruppe

This book will interest scholars, researchers, and students of law, modern Indian history, and gender studies. It will also appeal to general readers.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Sinha, Chitra

Fachgebiete

• Rechtswissenschaften Recht, Rechtswissenschaft Allgemein Rechtsgeschichte, Recht der Antike
• Sozialwissenschaften Soziologie | Soziale Arbeit Soziale Gruppen/Soziale Themen Gender Studies, Geschlechtersoziologie

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Preface
Acknowledgements
List of Tables
Introduction
1: Contesting Patriarchy: The Early Years
2: The Hindu Code Bill: A Historical Background
3: Evolution of the Hindu Code Bill
4: Law and the Public Gaze: Hindu Code Bill in the Public Sphere
5: Hindu Code Bill in the Political Sphere
6: Hindu Code Bill Controversy : The Final Phase
7: Hindu Code Bill and the Modern Indian Mind
Bibliography
Index

Über Autor(innen)

Chitra Sinha is a PhD from the University of Mumbai and has been a Visiting Fellow, Centre for Study of Women, University of California at Los Angeles, USA. She has taught at the Visva Bharati University, SNDT Women's University and in colleges affiliated to the University of Mumbai in a teaching career spanning two decades. She has been a recipient of several prestigious fellowships, including the SSRC Fellowship of the Ford Foundation and the New
India Foundation Book Writing Fellowship. Presently, she is working on her second book on women, law and society in Asia and the Middle East.