Abstract
Beyond memsahibs and religious missionaries, there were British women outside the formal imperial establishment who went to India because of their concern for the condition of Indian women. Five such women whose careers in India paralleled the development of British imperial power from firm self-confidence to approaching demise are Mary Carpenter (1807–1877), Annette Akroyd Beveridge (1842–1929), Margaret Noble-Sister Nivedita (1867–1911), Margaret Gillespie Cousins (1878–1954), and Eleanor Rathbone (1872–1946). An examination of their careers reflects how the categories of race and gender influence efforts to promote social reforms within an imperial relationship. Once in India these women functioned as cultural missionaries preaching a gospel of women's uplift based largely on models adapted from their experience in Britain. At least three of them became maternal imperialists who treated Indian women as daughters whom they were preparing for adult responsibilities as modern women. All five women were most able to cross the boundary of race as feminist allies when their skills most suited the needs of Indian women.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
