Rewriting History – The Life and Times of Pandita Ramabai

This work explores the life of Pandita Ramabai, a pioneering feminist in nineteenth-century India, highlighting her conversion to Christianity and the subsequent challenges she faced within a patriarchal society.

Rewriting History – The Life and Times of Pandita Ramabai presents a compelling exploration of one of India's pioneering feminists. Pandita Ramabai, a high-caste Hindu widow, made a bold choice to convert to Christianity, a decision that was perceived as a profound betrayal of both her religion and her nation. This biography not only highlights her significant contributions to feminist thought in the nineteenth century but also seeks to reclaim her legacy from the shadows of history.

The book delves into Ramabai's journey, detailing her recognition as Saraswati in Calcutta in 1879 and the subsequent alienation she faced from the very men who once supported her. Uma Chakravarti, the author, argues that Ramabai's controversial stance has often led to her marginalization in historical narratives, particularly regarding India's pre-independence era. Through meticulous research, Chakravarti sheds light on the complexities of Ramabai's life and the societal structures that sought to suppress her voice.

Chakravarti's work is not just a biography; it is a critical examination of the power dynamics and hierarchies within a colonized society. By bringing Ramabai's story to the forefront, Rewriting History serves as an essential resource for those interested in understanding the intersections of gender, class, and caste in nineteenth-century India. This book invites readers to reconsider the narratives surrounding prominent historical figures and encourages a deeper appreciation of the struggles faced by women like Ramabai in their fight for recognition and equality.