Synopsis Set against the backdrop of surging nationalism and reform in twentieth century Bengal, this book recounts the lives of two outstanding women—Sarala Devi Chaudhurani and Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain—and compares their work, their approaches and their ideologies. Sarala Devi Chaudhurani belonged to a Hindu—Brahmo community and was related to the nationalist poet—philosopher Rabindranath Tagore. One of the few women graduates of her time, she was perhaps the first woman political leader from Bengal in the nationalist movement. She inspired a robust heroic martial culture amongst the youth, and also founded the first all-India women’s organization in 1910. Born into a well-to-do Muslim conservative family, Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain was denied a formal education, but emerged as a leading writer of her time and founded a school for girls that survives even today. She was a fiery proponent of the independence of women, forcefully attacking the hypocrisies of society. This well-researched study explores the differences and similarities in the perspectives of these two women by tracing their family backgrounds, and the social, political, and cultural influences on their lives. Bharati Ray weaves biography, history, and gender issues together with great dexterity in narrating the story of the lives of two women in colonial Bengal. Scholars of gender studies and social history, and general readers will find here a narrative of great interest.