Read the quotation given below.
“Sir, the women of India are happy to step into their rightful heritage of complete equality with men in all spheres of life and activity. I say so because I am convinced that this is no new concept which has been postulated for the purposes of this Constitution, but is an ideal that has long been cherished by India, though social conditions for some time had tragically debased it in practice. This Constitution affirms that ideal and gives the solemn assurance that the rights of women in law will be wholly honoured in the Indian Republic.
— Begum Aizaz Rasul, 22 November 1949, during the Constituent Assembly’s debates
Which article of the Constitution do you think she was referring to? Why do you think she said that the equality of women was not a new concept for India? Discuss in the class.
Begum Aizaz Rasul was referring to Article 15 of the Constitution, which prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
She said that equality of women was not a new concept for India because India's civilisational heritage has long recognized principles of respect for women and equal treatment.
Ancient Indian texts and traditions show that women held positions of respect and participated in various spheres of life.
However, social conditions over time had 'tragically debased it in practice' — meaning that despite these ideals, women faced discrimination and inequality in actual social practice.
The Constitution affirmed and restored these ancient ideals by guaranteeing equality and equal rights for women as citizens of the Indian Republic.
Explanation
The quotation from Begum Aizaz Rasul on November 22, 1949, during Constituent Assembly debates, highlights that the Constitution's guarantee of women's equality was not a foreign concept but a restoration of India's own civilisational values. The chapter discusses how India's civilisational heritage, including respect for women, influenced the Constitution. Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of sex, among other factors.
Solution Steps
Begum Aizaz Rasul referred to Article 15 of the Constitution which prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth
India's civilisational heritage has long recognized principles of respect for women and equal treatment
Ancient Indian texts and traditions show women held positions of respect and participated in various spheres of life
Social conditions over time had 'tragically debased' these ideals in practice, leading to discrimination against women
The Constitution affirmed and restored these ancient ideals by guaranteeing equality and equal rights for women