Women in Early Indian Societies is an anthology of excerpts from the works of authors who have shaped our understanding of gender relations in early India. Also included are papers which provide fresh insights or explore alternative paradigms and possibilities.

The first section focuses on the diverse issues and perspectives in women's history so as to give the reader an overview of the implicit and explicit debates are methodological strategies and problems. Section ll highlights some aspects of the meterial context and content of gender relations, especially in terms of property, labour, and the impact of processes such as urbanization.

Section lll through investugations in polyansry and prostitution, and also draws attention to the possobility of regional variations. The last section, on religious traditions, includes analyses of the god-dess cult, women's patronage of religious institutions, and early Bhakti movements.

The volume contains an editorial introduction which context-ualizes the anthology, and a detailed bibliography.