This article explores the evolution and impact of gender perspectives in Indian historical research, focusing on the ways in which feminist scholarship has challenged the male-centric narratives that long dominated the field. Traditional Indian historiography, shaped by colonial and nationalist ideologies, often marginalized women’s roles, treating them as passive subjects or symbols of cultural virtue. The emergence of feminist historians such as Uma Chakravarti, Geraldine Forbes, and Tanika Sarkar in the 1970s and beyond marked a paradigm shift. Their work foregrounded women’s agency, resistance, and participation in socio-political movements while critiquing the structures of caste, class, and patriarchy. The article emphasizes the significance of intersectionality in understanding the diverse experiences of Dalit, Adivasi, and working-class women, whose voices were historically suppressed. It also highlights the methodological innovations brought by oral histories, autobiographies, and community narratives, which have enriched mainstream historiography. By integrating gender as a central analytical category, this research not only expands the historical narrative but also calls for a fundamental rethinking of historiographical frameworks. The study argues that inclusive and intersectional approaches are essential for constructing a more accurate, nuanced, and just account of India’s past—one that acknowledges the contributions and struggles of women across all strata of society.
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