The feminist movement in India owes its growth solely to western and colonial influences, overlooking indigenous traditions
The feminist movement has been a dynamic sociopolitical reality, evolving to resist oppression in various forms. However, there is a prevailing misconception that its growth and development are primarily influenced by Western and colonial ideals, disregarding the rich tapestry of local history and culture. This oversight fails to recognize the nuanced complexities of traditional concepts and undermines the importance of cultural differences. Culture, as a pervasive force, shapes every aspect of life - from behaviour and relationships to identity and knowledge acquisition.
Even after the departure of British colonial rulers, India’s policies towards tribal and local communities continued to be influenced by Western ideologies propagated by certain agenda-driven British and Western anthropologists. These ideologies often denigrated indigenous knowledge and epistemologies, labelling tribal communities as “primitive” or “uncivilized.” These derogatory stereotypes persist in contemporary media portrayals, fostering a sense of shame and alienation among indigenous peoples towards their traditions and ancestors. Consequently, there is a pervasive sentiment of inferiority towards indigenous culture, instilled to foster gratitude towards foreign religions and cultures.
The concept of “Indigenous feminism” emerges as a call to reclaim local traditions within indigenous communities and to shed the colonial foundations that continue to shape native life. Mainstream feminism, often associated with an out-of-touch white worldview, tends to devalue reproductive work - such as forestry and agriculture - which sustains life and conserves nature. Indigenous women, raised amidst nature by their grandmothers and matriarchs, understand the sacred importance of nurturing and caretaking. They question how they can align with a movement that fails to recognize or value these fundamental aspects of existence.
For me, feminism transcends the mere categorization of gender; it delves into the depths of individual and social consciousness. Both self-image and social image intertwine to shape perceptions of reality. Feminism, as a term, requires redefinition beyond its association with protest and radicalization. It emphasizes the recognition of agency and the carving out of distinct spaces within societal structures, without negating the importance of relationships, values, and cultural roots. It fosters a perspective that acknowledges women’s integral role in human interaction with nature, coupled with reverence for elders and respect for traditional knowledge.
There exists a vein of feminist work within indigenous communities, often overlooked or implicitly dismissed. The prevailing Western-centric model of development perpetuates male privilege at the expense of women and erases indigenous teachings on gender and sexuality, disregarding their diversity and power. The intersections of patriarchy, colonialism, and white supremacy form a complex web of oppression, where the exploitation of women and indigenous peoples sustains systems of domination and control.
Patriarchy, intertwined with colonial structures, perpetuates systems of oppression that prioritize male power and privilege. Industrialization further exacerbated gender disparities, leading to atrocities such as rape and forced prostitution. The colonial legacy of exploitation and displacement continues to haunt indigenous communities, fueling feelings of psychic distress and identity crisis.
The treatment of women in India, shaped by centuries of Western influence, reflects the pervasive impact of colonial ideologies. Edward Said’s concept of Orientalism sheds light on the attitudes of colonial overseers towards Indians, perpetuating stereotypes and justifying oppression. British feminists, in their efforts to “save” Indian women, imposed Victorian-era gender norms, further entrenching patriarchal structures.
The rule of the East India Company was marked by brutality and exploitation, as evidenced by the use of forced labour and the demeaning treatment of the Indian population. The concept of Orientalism, rooted in racial repression and exoticization, perpetuated a system of governance that systematically discriminated against indigenous peoples. In India, the integration of forest and hill communities with plains-dwellers underscores a rich history of cultural exchange and civilizational unity. Yet, policies and public discourse continue to align with Western views, perpetuating divisions between indigenous and non-indigenous populations. The ancient forest civilization of India, long revered as a source of wisdom and enlightenment, has been marginalized and misrepresented by Western scholars and ideologies.
In conclusion, the feminist movement must embrace indigenous perspectives and challenge colonial legacies to foster a more inclusive and equitable society. Recognizing the interconnectedness of cultural, social, and environmental factors is crucial in dismantling systems of oppression and reclaiming traditional knowledge. By centring indigenous voices and narratives, feminism can evolve into a more holistic and intersectional movement, transcending Western-centric paradigms and honouring the diverse experiences and wisdom of all peoples.
(The writer is assistant professor, JNU; views are personal)
