Stree-Purush Tulana

by Tarabai Shinde

Stree-Purush Tulana is an essay written by Feminist activist Tarabai Shinde. The literary work is a critique of upper caste patriarchy and the gender and caste system in 19th century India. The material is also considered the first modern feminist text of India. Shinde questions the position of women in the society and their rights.

Stree-Purush Tulana was a reaction to a newspaper article in Pune Vaibhav, an orthodox newspaper which supported the caste and gender system. The article was written attacking a young Brahmin widow Vijayalakshmi who was sentenced for execution for aborting her illegitimate child fearing public disgrace and ostracism. The article also criticized women in general, for their changing morals and behavior. Shinde reacted firmly against this through her work. Though the book received negative views from the society, Jyotirao Phule appreciated Shinde's work and also referenced it in his magazine, 'Satsar'. The essay was originally published in Marathi in 1882, remained virtually unknown but later became known after it was republished in 1975 by S.G Malshe.

The book starts by Shinde questioning the Gods:

"Let me ask you something, Gods! You are supposed to be omnipotent and freely accessible to all. You are said to be completely impartial. What does that mean? That you have never been known to be partial. But wasn't it you who created both men and women? Then why did you grant happiness only to men and brand women with nothing but agony? Your will was done! But poor women have had to suffer for it down the ages."

The book also criticizes the caste system, patriarchy, denial of education to women, polygamy, widow remarriage and many other practices which opposed women.

96 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

About the author

Tarabai Shinde (1850–1910) was a feminist activist who protested patriarchy and caste in 19th century India. She is known for her published work, Stri Purush Tulana ("A Comparison Between Women and Men"), originally published in Marathi in 1882. The pamphlet is a critique of upper-caste patriarchy, and is often considered the first modern Indian feminist text. It was very controversial for its time in challenging the Hindu religious scriptures themselves as a source of women's oppression, a view that continues to be controversial and debated today.

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Muhammad Kashif]

she seems very frustrated, The book also gets a little biased towards women at some points, Also kind of hints of misandry at some places.
Overall a good read, She made a lot of Good points about gender equality, Unfortunately A lot of stuff she complains about in the book still exists.

[PRAGATI KHOBRAGADE]

MUST READ. EVERY INDIAN SHOULD READ.