Beyond Purdah?: Women in Bengal 1890-1939 (SOAS Studies on South Asia)

The author argues that `Purdah' in early twentieth century Bengal meant far more than secluding women behind veils and walls; it entailed an all-encompassing ideology and code of conduct based on female modesty. Women's political activities, their class-specific existence as daughters, wives, mothers and widows as well as their education and employment are examined in this framework.