WOMEN AS ACTIVE AGENTS OF SOCIAL CHANGE IN INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM (IKS)

Abstract

Women played an important role in the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) as practitioners, contributors, and guardians of knowledge in a variety of fields, including philosophy, science, medicine, literature, and the arts. Many women were recognized as scholars, sages, and artists, and their expertise was respected. Women made contributions to education, equality, and social advancement, from reformers like Savitribai Phule to Vedic intellectuals like Gargi Vachaknavi and Maitreyi. This study highlights the historical role of women as an active agent of social change since ancient times and also emphasizes how the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) supports women’s empowerment and inclusive development in modern India.