Author:

Anchala Duarah
Assistant Professor
Department of History
D.C.B. Girls’ College,
Jorhat, Assam,India

Email: anchaladuarah123@gmail.com

Abstract:: History is witness to the fact that across time, gender has always been used as an instrument of ‘male politics’ with women hardly being involved as active counterparts. The present study critically examines the interaction between gender and power that appears to be woven into the fabric of nationalism contributing to the politicisation of women. Chandraprabha Saikiani, an Assamese reformer, freedom fighter, litterateur and activist, is known for her unbounded revolutionary zeal and progressive ideas. She fought fearlessly throughout her life against the patriarchal norms of the society and at the same time called upon other women to do the same. Her works are a reflection of her thoughts regarding the gender biased society of the time and her fierce condemnation of it. By examining her life and works, the study seeks to illuminate the issues concerning gender relations and the institution of patriarchy in twentieth century Assam, highlighting Saikiani’s significant role in reshaping both women’s agency and the regional nationalist discourse.

Key Words:: Chandraprabha Saikiani, Gender, Nationalism, Patriarchy.Women’s agency etc.