Indian Women and the Raj

Explore the representations and reality of Indian women’s lives during the British colonial era. Why does gender history matter and what can it tell us about the history of British colonialism and India?
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  • Start Date: 24 Jan 2026
    End Date: 24 Jan 2026
    Sat (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 1 session
    Course Code: HWH65
    Tutors:  T Hussain
    Full fee £49.00 Senior fee £39.00 Concession £32.00
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In stock
SKU
239299
Full fee £49.00 Senior fee £39.00 Concession £32.00

What is the course about?

How were Indian women portrayed in colonial writings and how did they manage, negotiate, contest and protest
assumptions about their lives? Why does gender history matter and what can it teach us about British colonialism and India? Join us to explore the representations and reality of Indian women’s lives in this era using case studies from the early 1800s debates around sati to to independence movement.

What will we cover?

A gentle introduction to gender history and its significance for colonial studies; the sati (widow immolation) debates
widow remarriage & purdah; the 857/8 Rebellion; education; the nationalist movement.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

Assess the significance of gender studies for colonial history and the inclusion of Indian women’s voices
Evaluate how women were portrayed in colonial sources on sati and the challenges faced by widows in the
1800s
Assess the role played in the Hindu widow remarriage debates
Evaluate women's roles in the 1857/8 rebellion
Explain the role Indian women played in education
Assess the roles that women played in the Indian nationalist movement.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an introductory course and no prior knowledge of the topic is necessary. Student participation is actively
encouraged, so an open mind and a willingness to constructively engage in discussions is all that is required.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Through interactive lecture/class-based discussions and debates.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No other costs. Please bring a pen and notebook/paper to class if you wish to take notes.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

HWH190 Ancient India: The Harappan Civilisation in the Indus Valley
HWH182 Key figures in Indian history
HWH171 Partition in India and Pakistan.

T Hussain
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.