I intend to present my paper titled- Women & Religion: God, Goddess & Gendered Devotion. This paper delves into the historical representation of women within the religious traditions of Assam, focusing on the two major religions: Śāktism and Neo-Vaishnavism, during the medieval period. It explores the shifts in religious practices and how these shifts impacted the societal status of women. The study is structured into two primary sections: the historical depiction of women in Śāktism and Neo-Vaishnavism, and the socio-cultural consequences of the transition from the worship of the mother goddess to the veneration of male deities, particularly Krishna. By examining religious texts, practices, and the roles played by women in various religious communities throughout history, the paper sheds light on how religious institutions in Assam have often segregated spaces for men and women, shaping and modulating gender roles within these religious spaces. This analysis considers whether the elevation of male deities and the marginalization of goddess worship affected societal perceptions of women's spirituality, roles, and participation in religious life. It discusses the concept of 'gendered devotion,' highlighting how religious norms and practices shaped and modulated gender roles within these religious spaces. This exploration provides insights into the complex interplay between religion, gender dynamics, and societal norms in Assam's religious history, underscoring the evolving roles and representations of women within different religious traditions and their impact on the broader socio-cultural context.
Any panel that I can join?
------------------------------
ARNISHA ASHRAF
Doctoral Researcher, Department of History & Culture.
Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
arnisha.ashraf26@gmail.com------------------------------