Perspective from Literature and Art on Women's Social Status and Ancestral Role in Pre-Buddhist and Buddhist Era

Abstract

Since women are an integral and prime part of society, their role has been of key importance in shaping society. Women have been discussed in various roles and positions in the Indo-Pak subcontinent's ancient times and were later depicted in art. Buddha thought that Women were considered equal to men in their contribution to society and could attain Nirvana to become a member of the sangha or bhikkhuni as well. Using descriptive research methods, this research analyses the ancient literary sources on Buddhist society and how it is intertwined with the Buddhist art of Gandhāra to identify women's various roles – pre-wedding and post-wedding familial standing. Based on academia's diverse opinions, this study explores Buddhist attitudes towards women in a historical context with a re-appraisal of discovered sources so that continuity can be traced. It is found that in the Buddhist period, the status of women improved educationally, religiously, and socially.