Notes for AASI-February 5th

Begun Rokeya (BAY-GUM ROW-K-AH)

Sarala Devi (SHAW-ROW-LA DAY-VI)
Kamaladevi Chattopadhyocy (COME-AH-LA DAY-VI)
VyayLakshmi Pandit (V-JAY-LAKSH-ME)
Sarojine Naidei (SHAW-ROW-GEENI)
Recall some of the fundamental questions posed last lecture-such as the modernization of
women-were essentially spearheaded by men.
Calcutta, at the time of British rule, was the capital of Imperial India. The advent of the
movement saw its genesis here, primarily due to the high degree of exposure to British
rule. Ultimately, what started off as a small insurgency, found a national character and
massive mobilization.
Rabindranath Tagore
The British reign in England was driven by an edifice of ideologies and ideals that were
used as justification for the seizure of resources. They adduced a need to "civilize" the
savage Indians.
The notion of "cultural nationalism" helped to solidify the notion of Indian independence,
and challenge blind submission to British rule. This found its incarnation in a multitude
of fields; from the arts, music, literature, and attire. That is to say, every facet of Indian
life-no matter how small-had to be dictated by Indian standards. For example, paints that
were manufactured in England were rejected.
The Bengal Renaissance period, for example is part and parcel to the cultural nationalist
movement. And all music and poetry composed set out to glorify the maternal figure,
among other things.
Additionally, this was applied in an economic nationalist sense. There was a formalized
boycott of goods produced by and for British reign.
Swarnakumari Devi-a sister of Rabindranath Tagore-made additional contributions to the
women's movement.
Challenging British Imperialism:
-Economically: Challenge the British economy, by boycotting British goods. Buy
swadeshi...wear khadi (homespun fabrics*). "Swadeshi" is a kind of Hindi word for
cultural nationalism. An ideology, if you will.
-Culturally: challenge the propagated image of uncivilized and savage men who subject
women to abhorrent conditions.

The British enacted a series of laws which produced a massive resistance campaign.
Additionally, not all women had the free time to mobilize a public campaign. Thus, they
domesticated this resistance. This brilliant innovation of protest secured the effectiveness
of the movement. Thus, there were crafts fairs launched so that domestic goods could be
produced as an alternative to British rule.
To counter this "unruliness," the British relocated the Indian capital from Calcutta to
Bengal, and declared the former a Muslim region, whereas it had previously been Hindu.
By 1905, through the efforts of Basanti Devi, Begum Rokeya, and Sarala Devi were all
undertaking large consciousness-raising campaigns. In giving simple, accessible tactics,
typically apolitical individuals, specifically women, could be mobilized for larger
campaigns.
By 1917, Annie Besant, Sarojini Naidu women's right to education...never mind.
Begum Rokeya/Rokeya Sakhawat Hossien (1880-1932): social reform, education.
Sultana's Dream 1905.
Education for women was under massive reform. Specifically, schools that could
accommodate large numbers of students could be enlightened and inculcated with the
progressive agenda.
Sarala Devi was a graduate of-never mind. She conceived of an entirely new religious
ceremony.
Mahila silpamelas, education, rights, regional groups, Birashtami (public valor, blurring
boundaries of culture, religion, nationalist politics) Bharat Stree Mahamandal
DEMANDED human rights by 1912.
Devi also founded an entire series of "men's clubs," in which she trained men and women
alike to defend themselves. Her leadership was regarded with sanctity.
Bharat Stree Mahamandal-This is the very first exclusively women organization in India.
Basanti Devi: She initially joined the movement publicly after her husband was
imprisoned. While living a largely typical domestic existence, her spouse-as well as
numerous men-were imprisoned for inciting subversive activities. As men became
frequently imprisoned for their proselytizing, women came to fill the void.
Devi was the first woman arrested for selling khadi. Given that peddling these in public
was against British rule, she was soon imprisoned. She was soon elected president of the
Bengal Provincial Congress, and headed the meetings from 1921 to 1922.
Revive the villages. Political emancipation from the ground up.

Throughout the 1880s, there was an increasing degree of women's agitation within the
working sphere, specifically in 1908. Slight demonstrations of provocation, such as the
beating of a man with brooms (with a particularly humiliating cultural implication).
Annie Besant: Irish (arrived to India in 1893). Some Irish and Scottish separatists and
freedom fighters came to India to aid the movements against the yoke of British rule. She
aimed to promote Hindu glory (as a counter to the values propagated by British
evangelical and political hegemony). She asserted that India's rich and glorious past,
when written of, could easily eclipse the British narrative of the nation. After establishing
the Home Rule League in 1916, she was then elected president of the Indian National
Congress in 1917. Thus, she was soon deemed "Indian" by honor, particularly for her
efforts with the movement.