Who among the following used the phrase ‘Altekarian paradigm’ ?

The correct answer is - Uma Chakravarti and Kumkum Roy

Key Points

• Altekarian paradigm
  • The term refers to the framework used by historian D.D. Altekar in his studies on women in ancient India.
  • Altekar's analysis often portrayed women in the ancient period as being relegated to the domestic sphere and subordinated under patriarchal structures.
  • Uma Chakravarti and Kumkum Roy critically analyzed and challenged the Altekarian paradigm, highlighting its limitations in understanding the historical role of women.
• Critical feminist historiography
  • Chakravarti and Roy emphasized the need to move beyond patriarchal interpretations and focus on systemic structures that shaped gender roles in history.
  • Their work brought attention to the intersection of class, caste, and gender within historical contexts.

Additional Information

• Historical studies on women
  • D.D. Altekar was one of the earliest historians to study women in ancient India, but his work was criticized for reinforcing patriarchal narratives.
  • His portrayal often romanticized the subordination of women in ancient texts as "ideal" roles within society.
• Feminist critique
  • Feminist historians like Uma Chakravarti and Kumkum Roy offered alternative perspectives by exploring systemic inequalities in historical contexts.
  • They highlighted the need for a nuanced understanding of historical texts and their socio-political implications on gender roles.
• Intersectionality in history
  • Chakravarti and Roy's analysis emphasized the importance of intersectionality, exploring how caste, class, and religion interacted to shape women's experiences in history.
  • This approach helped expand the scope of feminist historiography, moving beyond simplistic gender binaries.