Synopsis Welfare of women and disadvantaged groups has various dimensions of activities in different societies and tend to differ in terms of milieus, scriptural codes, cultural traditions, types of polity and above all, levels of social awareness and the equality of services. The proper understanding of such welfare activities requires adopting a historical view to examine the role and position of women and disadvantaged, their rights and obligations, status as per traditions, religion, social structure, etc., as there have undergone tremendous change down from ancient to the present. The present book strives to take a historical view, makes analysis on various ameliorative measures and suggests line of action for effectives through coordination between government and voluntary agencies. It will suit to the needs of teachers, students, NGOs and general readers having keen interest in the subject.