A glimpse into the life of Tarabai Shinde

The story of perhaps one of the most famous, yet most overlooked feminist personalities in India.

shinde.jpg

The world underwent a landmark in the nineteenth century with respect to women's rights. With the rise of the first wave of feminism and increasing contemplation about the oppressive societal structures, India too saw the rise of feminist undertones in public dialogues. Pioneers like Savitribai Phule and Ramabai Rande were regarded as revolutionary since they dared to question the patriarchal norms operating in the domestic sphere. Another such paragon was Tarabai Shinde.

Shinde was born in an upper-caste family in Buldana, Maharashtra. Gifted with a sharp intellect and suitable wealth to support her endeavors, she quickly developed the habit of reading, something which was set to change the course of her life. Guided by her father's radicalism, she went on to become a feminist pioneer unlike any other. Her life was riddled with unconventional scenarios, may it be arguing against patriarchy by publishing 'Stri Purush Tulna' or performing the practice of 'gharjavai' wherein the husband comes to live in his wife's house. Her book was an unscathing criticism of the existing patriarchal model and how men had relentlessly subjugated women for centuries. Both loved and lambasted, 'Stri Purush Tulna' surely had the desired effect of bringing the theme of feminism into the mainstream in India at that time.

Not only was she a brilliant and ingenuous writer, but she was also an activist at heart. She was an ardent member of the Satyashodhak Samaj and worked hand-in-hand with Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. Her association with this organization led to the establishment of several educational institutions for marginalized girls. Furthermore, in 1854, she also helped in setting up a shelter particularly catered towards widows who had been shunned from their families.

This further goes on to prove the extent of her love and passion for the feminist movement. Her 40-page essay is still acclaimed widely by a number of people and she still holds a significant position in the hearts of many. By asking questions like "But do men not suffer from the same flaws that women are supposed to have?”,she poses a question that would later lead major feminist movements in our history. Her drive to not just point the issue within the system, but also go on to analyze it deeply and actively work towards improving it is what has made her such a revolutionary thinker and feminist in the eyes of many activists today.