Social Status of Women in Ancient and Medieval Nepal
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the social, religious, cultural, marital, and political conditions of women in ancient and medieval Nepal, highlighting the transition from a matriarchal to a patriarchal society and its impact on women's status and rights. This study utilized historical analysis, literature review, and archival research methods. Primary and secondary sources, including ancient texts, historical records, and scholarly articles, were reviewed to gather data on the status of women in ancient and medieval Nepal. The study finds that women's status significantly declined from ancient to medieval Nepal, with the rise of patriarchal structures leading to restrictive social practices such as child marriage, polygamy, and the sati system. This study is helpful for gender, history, anthropology, and sociology. This provides insights for researchers, educators, and policymakers interested in understanding the historical context of women's rights and social conditions in Nepal. By uncovering lesser-known historical factors and practices that facilitated gender inequality, it challenges prevailing narratives and provides a fresh, in-depth perspective on the historical forces that continue to shape women's rights and social conditions in Nepal.
Keywords: Ancient Nepal, Gender, Medieval Nepal, Social status, Women's rights
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