TELUGU
Feminist movement
P.V.L.N. RAO
TELUGUNAATA MAHILA UDYAMAM — Vimarsanatmaka Anchana: Compiled by Katyayanividmahe; Sahitya Akademi, Ravindrabhavan, 35, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi-110001. Rs. 125.
AGAINST THE backdrop of the ongoing debate on women’s development and empowerment, Sahitya Akademi sponsored this critical assessment of women’s movement in Telugu land. This book has two parts. The first comprises two essays — theoretical platform, and indigenous roots. The second essay postulates that feminists existed always — Pradveshini and Gandhari (Mahabharata), Manchala (Palnati charitra) and Visala (Hamsa vimsati). However, certain arguments appear far-fetched.
The second part has 12 essays. Women’s movements picked up momentum in modern literature, thanks to the pioneers like Gurujada Apparao and Kandukuri Veeresalingam. A pertinent point made here is that while the reformist movement could not break the shackles of a patriarchal society, nuclear families could not get out of the feudal system.
Chelam and Kodavatiganti highlighted the encouraging trend of progressive women rewriting history at this juncture. Ranganayakamma suggested that direct action alone could bring liberation. Non-governmental women societies enabled people to tackle social evils like family violence and dowry.
Although women’s participation in the freedom movement was limited, a notable part was played by Duvuuri Subbama, Durgabai Deshmukh, and Yellapragada Seethakumari, among others. This book provides a panoramic view of the women’s movements at the State, regional, and national levels.
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