This book examines certain gendered aspects of the early medieval period in
north India (between the seventh and twelfth centuries ad) through a study of
prominent but representative regional kingdoms located in Kashmir, Kanauj, and
across Bengal and Bihar. By examining important epigraphic and literary sources
pertaining to these polities in as comprehensive a manner as possible, it shows
that gender is a cardinal angle from which to view this period and,
additionally, that the same set of sources can yield differing interpretations.
It also highlights the indifference of most secondary sources towards gender and
related issues. The book, therefore, strives to address a lacuna in the
historical