GENDERED URBANISM: WOMEN’S ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND LEGAL ROLES IN INDUS AND MESOPOTAMIAN CIVILIZATIONS

Abstract

This research paper shows the comparative analysis of women’s rights, political role, and socio-economic authority in Indus and West Asian Civilization of Mesopotamia, comparative analysis through the gender and political archaeology has been made to accomplish this research paper. No significant research has been made previously in Pakistani context to assess women’s rights beyond history through archaeological perspectives. Ample archaeological evidences are available in Indus Civilization articulating the multi-dimensional role and contribution of women in social fabric, religious appearance and most importantly in economy. Archaeological record shows women as most influential political figure in Indus Civilization through carful expert analysis based on discovered female figurines, ornaments, seals, spindle whorls and the world-famous statue of dancing girl. The large number of female figurines from Indus are interpreting the sanctity, fertility and worship of mother goddess. The prominent statue of dancing girl with confident visibility shows feminism as one of strong cultural representation. It is still debatable even having matriarchal or matrifocal system along with majorly symbolic appearance doesn’t mean to have women a political authority. Comparatively, documentary evidences at Mesopotamia reveal women were expert wine maker, best healer, trade in charge and had right of proprietorship. Hence, due to undeciphered Indus script no written record but artifactual evidences strongly suggest the centralized role of women in textile, crafts, house management and in rituals. Through the lens of redefine androcentric notions of ancient urbanism. The Mesopotamian written records, Law sections, tablet manuscript and record of Ziggurats are sufficient evidences for proving women’s properotiorship, inheritance, Business inclusion, dowry and key role in temple-based economy. Outcomes of this research paper will provide baseline to historians, social scientists and women rights activists to devise future policies to promote and protect women rights.