Ancient India's Enlightenment : A Lost Legacy of Gender Equality and Sex Education

There was a sobering reminder that the same political leaders who celebrated the passage of the women's reservation bill a few months ago lack the vocabulary to discuss sex and gender rights in the twenty-first century when Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar made crude and graphic remarks on population control in the state assembly. Kumar is known for mobilising women voters through his women-centric schemes like the alcohol prohibition law, cycle scheme for young girls, and the JEEViKA project for women's empowerment, among others.

In India, the subject of sex education is still taboo and is rarely taught in classrooms. In order to avoid the unpleasantness of the ingrained stigma, teachers in biology classes omit a full chapter on sex education and assign it as homework instead. When inquisitive kids question their parents about it at home, they are told to focus on something else.

Because of this, sexuality is still a taboo subject and an unsolved inter-psychic struggle that is passed down through the generations. But this was not the case earlier. Today what we see is a distorted form of education brought by British. India was called a golden bird not only for its gold but also for its knowledge and wisdom. Let me tell you how.

Contrary to common misconceptions, ancient India possessed a remarkably advanced understanding of human sexuality and a deep respect for women. Far from being misogynistic, ancient Indian society actively fostered sex education and promoted gender equality in various aspects of life.

Ancient India was a land of vibrant intellectual discourse, where philosophical and scientific advancements flourished. This era witnessed a remarkable level of social progress, particularly in the spheres of gender equality and sex education. However, as the centuries unfolded, a gradual decline in these ideals set in, leaving India with a stark contrast to its glorious past. This article delves into the factors that contributed to this decline and explores the lessons we can learn from ancient India's legacy of enlightenment.
 

Gender Equality: A Vedic Era Ideal

The Vedic period, spanning from 1500 to 500 BCE, marked a golden age for women in ancient India. They enjoyed a significant degree of social and intellectual freedom, participating actively in religious ceremonies, education, and even governance. Women were revered as goddesses, and their contributions to society were highly valued.

Education and Intellectual Pursuits: Vedic women had equal access to education, pursuing knowledge in various fields, including philosophy, literature, and science. They were actively engaged in intellectual debates and authored renowned Vedic hymns. The Rigveda, the oldest Hindu scripture, contains numerous hymns composed by female seers, such as Lopamudra and Apala.

Social and Political Participation: Women played a prominent role in social and political life. They held positions of power and influence, participating in royal courts and assemblies. They were also actively involved in religious rituals and ceremonies, often serving as priestesses.

Matriarchal Societies: In some parts of ancient India, matriarchal societies existed, where women held a dominant position in family and community structures. They controlled property and inheritance rights, and their opinions were highly respected.

Sex Education: An Open and Informed Approach

Ancient India's approach to sex education was characterized by openness and informedness. This was reflected in various aspects of society, from religious texts to sculptures and paintings.

Kama Sutra: A Comprehensive Treatise: The Kama Sutra, an ancient Indian text on love and sexuality, stands as a testament to the open and progressive attitude towards sex education in ancient India. It provides a comprehensive guide to human sexuality, covering physical, emotional, and psychological aspects.

Artistic Representations: Sex was depicted openly and without taboo in ancient Indian art, particularly in temple sculptures and paintings. These representations served as visual aids for sex education, conveying knowledge about the human body and sexual practices.

Gurukul System and Sex Education: The Gurukul system, the ancient Indian educational model, incorporated sex education into its curriculum. Students received instruction on sexual health, reproduction, and responsible sexual behavior.
 

Factors Leading to the Decline

Despite the progressive ideals of ancient India, the status of women and the openness towards sex education gradually declined over time. Several factors contributed to this erosion of enlightenment:

Rise of Patriarchy: The transition from a Vedic society to a more patriarchal structure brought about a decline in women's rights and freedoms. Women were increasingly confined to domestic roles, and their access to education and social participation was restricted.

Influence of Foreign Invasions: Foreign invasions, particularly the Aryan invasion and the Mughal conquest, brought about significant social and cultural changes. These invasions introduced more conservative social norms, which gradually eroded the liberal ideals of ancient India.

Misinterpretations of Religious Texts: Over time, certain religious texts, including the Manusmriti, were misinterpreted to justify the subordination of women. These misinterpretations reinforced patriarchal structures and perpetuated gender inequality.

Lack of Documentation: The lack of comprehensive documentation and the suppression of women's voices in historical narratives have contributed to a limited understanding of the true status of women in ancient India. This has led to a distorted perception of their roles and contributions.
 

Lessons from Ancient India's Enlightenment

The legacy of ancient India provides valuable lessons for addressing the challenges of gender inequality and sex education in modern India:

Reverence for Women: Reclaiming the ancient Indian reverence for women as goddesses and knowledge bearers can foster a more respectful and equitable society.

Education and Empowerment: Reviving the tradition of female education and intellectual pursuits can empower women to break free from societal constraints and contribute their full potential to society.

Openness and Informed Sex Education: Embracing a more open and informed approach to sex education can help dispel myths and misconceptions, promote healthy relationships, and prevent sexual abuse and exploitation.

Conclusion

Ancient India's enlightenment, with its emphasis on gender equality and sex education, stands as a beacon of progress in human history. While societal shifts and misinterpretations led to a decline in these ideals, the lessons from this era can guide us towards a more equitable and enlightened future. By reclaiming the progressive values of our ancient past, we can create a society where women are empowered and sex education is a cornerstone of holistic development.

Ancient India's approach to sex education and gender equality, though not without its challenges and contradictions, stands as a testament to the society's progressive thinking and openness to exploring human sexuality and gender roles. The Kama Sutra, with its emphasis on mutual consent, respect, and pleasure, remains a remarkable piece of ancient literature that reflects a society that valued sexual health and gender equaliy.

While ancient India's practices cannot be directly applied to modern society, understanding its progressive approach to sex education and gender equality can provide valuable insights into how societies can foster healthier and more equitable relationships between men and women.

By Nilabh Krishna

(The content of this article reflects the views of writers and contributors, not necessarily those of the publisher and editor. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent courts and forums in Delhi/New Delhi only)