Social and Gender Equality in Medieval Bhakti Movement with Special Reference to Saivism

Abstract

Social and gender equality had been a social evil through the 19th and 20th century which was major reason behind sprouting of various socio-reform movements across the country under various leaders. However, this social and gender equality was closed during the tough medieval times with the rise of Bhakti movement. Bhakti movement which began in South India had contribution from all sections of Indian society. Even women who had forever been portrayed as housewives, came out freely to express their aspirations through spirituality. Bhakti movement can not just be narrowed down to devotional movement, but was rather a revivalist and revolutionary movement. Religion and devotion is a very sensitive matter as since times immemorial, India has been a country with rich culture and religion has been interwoven in the very culture of Indian society. This topic reflects on social and gender equality through examples of various saints each from different sections of society with special reference to Saivism.