Dear Fellows
I am suggesting a second panel discussion as encouraged by Prof Manjusha Nair, on decolonizing methods in South Asia/ Asia. I am sharing the theme I am working on and want to discuss with larger audience:
Looking through the women's lens: Decolonising academia
Education is a domain which essentially is seen having colonial traces. In Indian perspective, education and the biases within can act as a new tool for developing discourse on decolonizing research in Asia (south). Women narratives, in particular the local/ vernacular writings give a view into the socio-cultural barriers and the ameliorative suggestive steps during the late nineteenth century. Sometimes it becomes important to step back to pick the threads of knowledge and search for its apt applicability in building and filling the knowledge gaps.
Later nineteenth century was a period in Indian history with several new beginnings particularly amalgamated with the spirit of nationalism. Awakening against the social evils and the subsequent reforms brought to the forefront men reformers and their women. Women education was an essential part of these social reforms. Thus, women's writing and contributions in various literary forms became an indispensable part of the contemporary vernacular literature.
Educational reforms, introduction of education in English language and the Vernacular Press Act of 1878 created grounds for the colonial way of education. The relevance of women writings in decolonizing academia is evident in the way it talks about the socio-cultural scenario within the boundaries of history. Local archival history needs to be preserved, read and spread through making it a vibrant section of educational learning and discussions.
PS: The discussion from my end/ my presentation will focus on women writings in Pune, Maharashtra during the later end of nineteenth century and its relevance.
Methodology: Records studied at State Archives.
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Shivani Singh
Savitribai Phule Pune University, India
shivanisinghbhu@gmail.com------------------------------