Constructing ‘Vedic’ Masculinities: Animal Symbolism, Mythic Constructions and Ritual Practices

Masculinity seems to be a fairly recent historical product. It is no longer a silent turf in gender studies but because of its late appearance in the world of social sciences, especially within Indian context, the discipline has still to make a niche. This is especially true for the socio-historical domains of early India. The debates on masculinity have actually emerged within feminist research. The concept is considered inherently relational. Most of the arguments are constructed in relation to women. However, today it is getting increasingly recognised that gender issues are not only women’s issues or the issues of male dominance on women alone; these are somehow related to issues of power between those who exercise it and those who are at the receiving end. And when these issues get clubbed with questions of religiosity and ideology, the study becomes complex and begs a nuanced analysis.