This history of the women's movement in India covers the period from the 19th century to the present day. Kumar raises key questions about the nature of the movement, the kind of issues it has taken up (such as rape, dowries, health and environment),its directions and perspectives, its differences from western movements and the relationship of autonomous women's organizations with political parties. Kumar also considers the effects of wider policies, such as population control and caste transformation, on the women of India. This book should be of interest to both students and general readers.