Position Of Women In Medieval Period

The term medieval was derived from the Latin words medius and aevum.It means middle age. The medieval phases or the medieval period can be defined as the period between the ancient phase and modern phase.The time period of the medieval phase is between sixth century and sixteenth century.This medieval period is divided into parts namely the early medieval period and later medieval period.The early medieval period is the period between 6 to 13 th century.The later medieval period is the period between the 13 to 16th century.

What Happened In Medieval Period:

It is one of the most important periods in Indian history in the development of language, literature, culture,arts etc.The Medieval period beginning was marked from the rise of the rajput clans.

Main Feature Of The Medieval Period:

Features of the Medieval period include the people migration, distribution of the population and removing urbanization are characterized In this period.

The Different Varna’s During Medieval Period:

Four Varnas Of Hinduism:

• Brahmins
• Kshatriyas
• Vaishyas
• shudras.

Brahmins:

The word brahmins has a meaning of “supreme self”.It can also be defined as the first of gods.Brahmin is considered as the highest of all castes in hinduism.In brahmins only few of them work as a priests others work as educators,lawmakers,doctors,writers etc.Most of the brahmins are in northern states of uttar pradesh and andhra pradesh and few in numbers in southern states like karnataka,tamilnadu and kerala.Traditionally,the brahmins are supposed or trained to become as priests.But they occupy a large number of occupations in modern days.Thus overall the brahmins hold a highest position in indian society and they are considered or believed as smart and influential.

Kshatriyas:

The kshatriyas is derived from the word kshatra which means power and authority.It is considered as the second varna in the social hierarchy.The brahmins and kshatriyas makes the upper class.The main duty of them is to fight in the wars.Their main roles is to protect their citizens from the harm.They are also responsible in protecting the dharma.The two primary roles of the kshatriyas is to govern the lands and to fight in wars.The male child of the kshatriyas is considered as the symbol of their masculinity whereas the female child should be well behaved and disciplined.

Vaishyas:

They are considered as the third in the order of the social hierarchy.Their main occupations are agriculture,taking care of cattles and trade.The vaishyas are almost degraded to the shudra community.There was no difference between them and they were treated as the slaves.

Shudras:

The shudra varna is also considered to be as not knowledgeable.They are prevented from performing upanayanam.The shudra composed of a large number of people.It includes or involves peoples who were maids,sweepers ,barborers and waiters.

Position Of Women In Medieval Periods:

The women in the Medieval period had different roles in the society of the middle ages.The women held the position of wife,mother,sister,nun and artisan.Some of them also played the leadership roles such as queen.

In the early Medieval period the women held significant land powers.The technique of spinning was considered as women’s craft at that time.It was performed mainly using the tools like spindles and distaff.

One of the most powerful women lived in the period of middle ages is the Eleanor of aquitaine.Eleanor succeeded her father and became the queen at the age of 15-16.This the women in the middle ages were more well developed than the women of the early ages.

Saint Catherine Siena played an important role in society as a woman in the late medieval period.She helped in the development of theological ideas .But from the end of middle ages many restrictions were started to place on women’s work and women rights to the property was also curtailed during this period.

Conclusion:

Thus women played a vital role or position in the society of the Medieval ages.The modern women should also be in such boldness to maintain their status or respect in society.