Violence against Women in Punjab during Sikh Era (1799-1849)

Abstract

Aim of the Study: Aim of the study was to explore the Violence against women in Punjab during Sikh Era (1799-1849)

Methodology: This is qualitative research and comparative-historical has been adapted to conduct it. The document analysis is also applied to verify the contents of documents. The internal and external criticism of artifacts, documents and contents available in books is made. The information contained in data of one nature is compared and analyzed with the information available in data of other nature. In the same way, the visual art monographs are utilized for this purpose.

Findings: Findings shows that there were no customary laws were applicable, the women were given full protection. They were saved from forced marriages, illegal detention and domestic violence etc. Maharaja was himself interested to provide justice to the people. But he could not go beyond customary laws, except in few cases. So, the rebelled women of society gave preference to get shelter in British administered areas of Punjab where they were given more rights than in Punjab.

Conclusion: To conclude, the application of various customs of Punjab as supreme laws during Sikh era impacted the society, especially women. It gave legal protection to some social values which were harmful for women and considered as crimes in today’s scenario.