Gender studies have often concentrated on patriarchal subordination of women in various spheres of life. This book, however, presents a different view. Suggesting “women have history, women are in history”, the book shows that women have been continuously contributing to production and other activities, though struggling silently. It explores the role of women, who are equally, if not more, equipped with brain and brawn. While recognizing how patriarchy impedes women’s actions or muzzles their voices, the book seeks to bring out the ‘faces of feminine’ in all cognizable spheres of life in history, and their role in the progress of society’. The papers here, thus, explore women’s presence in household domains; agriculture; crafts; in intellectual, religious and spiritual activities; and their sexual consciousness; their public activities and accomplishments, among others.

The volume editors are Professors of History, Osmania University, Hyderabad.