Women Ascetics in Hindu Traditions: Historical Erasure and Contemporary Resurgence of Female Renunciation

Professor Dr. Harikumar Pallathadka, Professor Dr. Parag Deb Roy

Abstract- This study investigates the often-overlooked history and contemporary resurgence of women’s ascetic traditions in Hinduism, challenging dominant narratives that have marginalized female renunciation. Through historical research, textual analysis, and ethnographic fieldwork with contemporary women ascetics, this paper documents the continuous presence of female renunciants throughout Hindu history while analyzing the social, institutional, and textual factors that have contributed to their historical erasure from mainstream accounts. The research reveals diverse forms of female asceticism across sectarian boundaries, geographical regions, and historical periods, demonstrating that women’s renunciation represents not an anomaly but a persistent tradition that has adapted to changing social circumstances. Case studies of contemporary women ascetics and their communities illustrate how female renunciants are reclaiming religious authority, creating innovative institutional structures, and developing distinctive theological interpretations within Hindu traditions. This research contributes to both gender studies and Hindu studies by recovering marginalized histories and documenting emerging forms of female religious authority.