Author:

Dr.Naju Hansda
Assistant Professor
Department of History
Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University
Purulia-723104, West Bengal

Email: naju.redsky@gmail.com

Abstract: The Adivasis (Tribes) are mostly known for their democratic social formation and gender equality as women enjoyed certain fundamental and equal rights in contrast to their male counterpart to an extent. In fact, there was other side of the coin that speaks different reality of gender equation in tribal societies of Eastern India due to their patriarchal system of living. Being Adivasis the Santals were not exceptional in this regard as they had been controlled through customary rule and regulations from one generation to another and remained peaceful and organised. As a matter of fact, Santali women had various rights and privileges such as bride-price instead of dowry system in marriages, no restrictions for working women, freedom for participating in socio-cultural functions etc. Thus, the social scientists have often focused and romanticised the status of women in Santal society. On the other hand, Santal women were deprived and restricted from other rights and activities as well. This paper focuses to explore the status of women in Santal community of eastern India.

Key Words:: Dowry System, Eastern India, Gender Equation, Santal, Women etc.