Status and Position of Women in Coastal Orissa: A Thematic Presentation

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The present paper tries to explore the status and position of women in coastal Orissa in late Eighteenth and early Nineteenth century. The work is mostly based on some original official sources and secondary materials reflected in Oriya literature. The prime objective of the work is to critically examine and evaluate the position of women prevailing in the society from Maratha to early Colonial rule in Orissa. The position of women has always been a subject of debate and discussion among the scholars, as the Indian society has considered women as an essential and inalienable part of the society. The society of Orissa was full of several conservative ideas with various social customs such as Sati, child marriage and different inhuman practices which were eradicated from the society due to the sincere efforts of the British Government as well as the role played by some prominent social reformers and the Christian missionaries. Though the women were forced to accept many restrictions in their daily life but in spite of that they were also respected in many circles with a dignified status in the society under the period of discussion. The policies and the programmes should be implemented effectively to protest and the development of women in India. The present paper is drafted using all genuine and secondary materials as noted above with systematic approach.

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