Question

Explain why women were considered an important resource in agrarian society during sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

Hint:

While answering questions on women’s contribution to society, consider their role in different aspects of economic and social life, and do not limit their role to the domestic front.

Answer 1

Labour in the Fields: Women worked side by side with men in the fields, which was crucial for agricultural operations. They performed a lot of hard labor and were a key part of the labor force. 
Farm Labour: Women acted as farm labor and participated in agricultural activities, which was crucial for the agricultural sector. 
Sowing, Weeding, and Harvesting: Their contributions were significant as they sowed seeds, weeded crops, and threshed and winnowed the harvest, which made them important partners in agriculture. 
Child Bearers: Women were the child bearers for society, ensuring the continuity of family and community and also the continuation of the labour force. 
Household Management: They looked after the household work and domestic affairs, thus managing both the farm and the domestic front. Labour Demand: There was a great demand for women's labour in the agrarian society, indicating their important economic value. 
Artisanal Tasks: They also performed artisanal tasks, such as spinning yarn, sifting and kneading clay for pottery, and embroidery which were crucial aspects of agricultural production. 
Visits to Employer's House: They also visited their employer's houses and also the markets as and when it was necessary, which gave them access to the larger world outside the village. 
Dependent Society: Women were also child bearers and contributed significantly in labour dependent society. 
Right to Inherit Property: Women had the right to inherit property as well, highlighting their economic importance and empowerment in some regions. 
Zamindari in Bengal: Women, especially Muslim women, in Bengal, had the right to inherit zamindari which they could sell or mortgage. This highlights their property rights. 
Other Relevant Point: Any other valid point from the chapter.