Kashi-Prapti theke Kashi-Darshan: Bangamahilar Bhraman O Abasar 1864-1946/ কাশীপ্রাপ্তি থেকে কাশী দর্শন : বঙ্গমহিলার ভ্রমণ ও অবসর ১৮৬৪ – ১৯৪৬

Abstract

In general, in patriarchal society, women are bed-mates, child-bearing mothers and caretakers of the family. But, in terms of socio-economic status, in upper- and middle-class families, women are like ornaments that have to be carefully protected in antahpur from behind the purdah of the house. Although this system is not entirely new, in Bengal in the 19th century, the control over women was imposed very strictly. And this was a sign of respect in society. In this context, women's access to the outside was limited. Sometimes she can step from the antahpura to go to her father's house, in the occasion of pooja, participate in a marriage ceremony, or take a bath in the Ganges. In a broad sense, they can spend their last few days in kashi at their death bed. In the second half of the 19th century, the advanced position of women in society became a new indicator of status in the Western educated class. As a result, the new class came forward in favor of social reform as a sign of modernity and against the practice of Sati, child marriage, polygamy, and the initiation of widow remarriage. They were also interested in women's education. Traditional conservatives in this group also gradually moved away from their positions. Although in the initial stage the progress of education among women was very slow, but it carried the taste of awareness and emancipation. They tried to go out of the traditional way and found the meaning of life. In this context, women are not going on pilgrimage just to get rid of the pain of legalities or in the hope of death in kashi. Educated women are going to holy places as pilgrims with a reformed mind in a lawful life, criticizing unreasonable rituals. Instead of kumbha joga, women are going to Allahabad and Prayag to spend their leisure time. Some women include the nearby temples in their leisurely travels. At the same time, due to the expansion of railways and the improvement of communication throughout India, places like Mathura, Vrindavan, Deoghar, Orissa, Punjab, Rameshwar, Chitrakoot, Kedarnath-Badrinath, etc. were added to their visiting list. The architectural style and natural beauty of these places become the center of their attraction. On the other side, they questioned the rituals and hypocrisy of the priests with a rational mind. Thus, for women, the various pilgrimages become a part of pure mental satisfaction through travel rather than re-enjoyment through darshan.