Hierarchies of Oppression: Ancient Indian Antecedents of Caste and Gender

Abstract

This article seeks to analyse the evolution of social hierarchies in ancient India. While the primary focus of the article is on gender hierarchy, it also attempts an examination of the intersection of class and caste as well. This article seeks to trace the linkages between women and śūdra in the ancient textual sources. It has also been argued that since hierarchy is never organic but a deliberate act of creation, in this deliberation, alternative possibilities are either marginalised or effaced.