Editorial

Abstract

The historical status of women in ancient India varied over time, influenced by rulers, periods, and locations. Indian women have been globally renowned in all fields, especially in knowledge and science. They are also well-known for their prominence in Buddhism. In the Vedic era, they had equal status with men. However, this status was not maintained in the later Vedic period when they were denied the rights of partnership in front of men.

The deteriorating status of women could be estimated by the fact that they were compared to poisonous snakes, suggesting advice to maintain distance from them. Buddhism played a significant role in rescuing women from this condition and restoring them to their rightful status. On Ananda's suggestion, Buddha opened the doors of salvation for women. In Buddhism, they could attain Nirvana, reside in Buddhist monasteries, and become Buddhist nuns.

In the Buddhist era, along with the teachings of Buddhism, women were also provided with education in science. Their songs were compiled into Therigatha so that future Buddhist nuns could gain this knowledge. The fact that women could attain Nirvana is also mentioned in the Pali Buddhist scriptures like the Vinaya Pitaka.

In ancient times, Buddhist nuns wrote the 'Theri Gathas'. The Theri Gathas should be viewed to understand the historical significance of a woman's condition. Elderly Buddhist monks were called 'Ther' (sthavir), and elderly Buddhist nuns were known as 'Theri' (sthavira). The songs they sang about their liberation from societal bonds and the equality of men and women are known as 'Theri Gatha'. These songs encapsulate the spiritual experiences of the women who sang them, as well as brief stories about their lives.

From these stories, we can get a glimpse of the societal context of the time and the nature of gender relations. These writings are the oldest evidence of women's writing about themselves. It reveals that women's spiritual experiences are not different from men's. Just as men contemplate their liberation or Nirvana, so do women.

It's not that during the Buddhist era, women were given equal status to men. However, the right to education provided Buddhist nuns an opportunity to redefine their presence in society, making this era an inspirational source for future progress and upliftment of women.