The Glorious Narratives of Lesser-Discussed Women: With Special Reference to Therigatha

Abstract

The Buddhist religion propounded by Gautama Buddha had a significant impact on the status of women in ancient Indian society. Although there was initial hesitation regarding the entry of women into the Sangha, the efforts of Mahaprajapati Gautami and Ananda made the establishment of the Bhikkhuni Sangha possible. Through rules such as the Eight Garudhammas, certain restrictions were imposed on women, which were partially discriminatory; nevertheless, they opened new avenues for women in terms of spiritual advancement and education.

A study of the Therigatha reveals that women from diverse social, economic, and varna backgrounds entered the Buddhist order and achieved scholarship as well as spiritual accomplishments. Bhikkhunis such as Patacara, Dhammadinna, and Khema made significant contributions to philosophical and religious discourse. Thus, Buddhism provided women with partial liberation from social constraints and offered them opportunities for education, self-reliance, and spiritual practice. Although patriarchal structures were not entirely eliminated, the Buddhist tradition paved the way for a notable improvement in the status of women.