Delhi Hosts Lecture on India’s Women Warrior Tradition
Scholars Highlight Historical Continuity of Female Valor from Vedic Age to Modern Times
- Second lecture under ‘Namoolam Likhyate Kinchit’ series organised in Delhi
- Focus on India’s tradition of courageous women warriors
- Experts call for deeper research and inclusive historiography
- Discussion held ahead of International Women’s Day programme
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 25th Feb: The second lecture in the ‘Namoolam Likhyate Kinchit’ series, titled “Shaurya Shakti: India’s Glorious Women Warrior Tradition,” was organised at the central office of the Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana in Delhi.
The event was jointly hosted by the Delhi unit of the Itihas Sankalan Samiti and Madhav Sanskriti Nyas.
Dr. Jyoti Shukla, Assistant Editor at the Indian Council of Historical Research, delivered the keynote address. Presenting her research-based study, she traced the evidence of India’s women warrior tradition from the Rigveda to Vedic, Puranic, literary and archaeological sources, extending to contemporary references including Operation Sindoor in 2025.
She highlighted the continuity of women’s valor from the Indus-Saraswati civilisation through the Mauryan and Gupta periods to the 19th-century Jhansi Regiment, describing it as a balanced expression of strength and courage. Referring to symbolic representations such as Ardhanarishvara, she underlined the multifaceted role of women as creators, nurturers and protectors, who have historically risen to defend nation, faith and family in times of crisis.
Dr. Shukla said the lecture aimed to bring forgotten narratives of maternal strength to the forefront and encourage new research directions, expanded women’s leadership and inclusive participation in historical writing.
National Organising Secretary of the Itihas Sankalan Yojana, Dr. Balamukund Pandey, stressed that Indian civilisational ethos does not discriminate between men and women. Citing the example of Sita, he noted that history is replete with instances of women embodying inherent strength and dignity, calling for comprehensive academic exploration of such narratives.
Distinguished guest Dr. Sanjay Manjul, Additional Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India, appreciated the evidence-based presentation and urged historians to undertake rigorous research on such themes.
The programme was chaired by Prof. Dharmachand Chaubey, President of the Delhi unit of the Itihas Sankalan Samiti. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Nirmal Pandey, while Dr. Ajay Kumar Singh conducted the proceedings.
Several scholars, office-bearers and over six dozen participants attended the event. Discussions were also held regarding organising a similar programme on March 8 to mark International Women’s Day.
