Poetesses of Rigveda

Abstract

Not only does the Rigveda, one of the oldest books ever written, detail the religious and cultural activities of ancient India, but it also proves, by the hymns it contains, that there were remarkable female poets who contributed to the text. Despite being eclipsed by their male counterparts, these women contributed significant philosophical perspectives, spiritual insights, and personal stories to Vedic literature. The aims of this research are to examine the lines attributed to Rigvedic poetesses like Lopamudra, Ghosha, and Apala and to analyse their distinct voices in relation to Vedic culture. These women explored cosmic themes, divine relationships, and morality in their music. The scholastic and spiritual responsibilities of women in the Vedic period are illuminated by these hymns. In contrast to contemporary assumptions on the functions of women in ancient cultures, the Rigvedic poetesses show how gender, knowledge, and power dynamically intertwine.