ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the ‘Awakening’ of Indian women by describing the emergence of the Women’s movement. The development of the women’s movement is charted in order to demonstrate how the movement evolved from societies dependent on male support into organisations founded by, as well as for, women. This account raises the issue of the extent of male support for the Women’s cause once women took to acting on their own initiative and not in accordance with male guidance. Facing opposition even from some supposedly sympathetic men, the way in which women sought to legitimise their activities is also discussed. Particular attention is paid to the appeal to aspects of the Hindu tradition as a means of justifying women assuming unaccustomed public roles and responsibilities.
