I am Arnisha Ashraf, currently pursuing my Ph.D., titled “State, Society and Women in Medieval Assam, c.1600-1700” from the Dept. of History & Culture, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India. Alongside my doctoral studies, I am also working as an Assistant Project Manager for the “Setting up National Virtual Library of India” project, funded by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and executed by IIT Bombay. Prior to this role, I held a position as an Assistant Professor at IMS Unison University, Dehradun, India. My academic journey includes graduation in History from Lady Shri Ram College, New Delhi and post-graduation with specialization in Medieval History from the University of Delhi. I have obtained my MPhil degree from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India for the dissertation titled ‘ Socio-Cultural Impact of Mughals on Assamese Society’.
I have presented papers at various seminars/ conferences at the University of Delhi, SNDT University, Mumbai, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Guwahati (TISS), Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change & Development (OKD), Guwahati. Along with paper presentations, I have also published papers at various academic journals and edited volumes.
Current Research:
My research intends to study the medieval & early modern period of Assam, with a special focus on the interplay of the state and society in determining the status of women in the region during circa sixteenth and seventeenth hundred. My research re-centers historical narratives to include marginalized voices and experiences, enriching our understanding of the period’s social, cultural, and political dynamics. Overall, this research on women in medieval Assam adds depth, complexity, and inclusivity to historical narratives, advances gender studies within historical research, and contributes valuable insights to the broader field of history. This research endeavors to deeply analyze the core theories and concepts of Women and Gender Studies, offering a comprehensive exploration of feminism and patriarchy within this academic domain. It focuses on the intricate interplay between women and power in medieval Assam, investigating how gender dynamics influenced political structures, policies, and the exercise of authority. The study also delves into the unsettling reality of women’s bodies being treated as commodities in diplomatic unions and matrimonial alliances among royal families, prompting a critical examination of power dynamics, gender roles, and the ethical implications of viewing women as ‘objects of exchange’ and ‘alliance-building.’ By scrutinizing these historical contexts, the research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of women’s agency, autonomy, and roles within diplomatic and matrimonial alliances during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in Assam. Additionally, it explores the historical representation of women within Assam’s diverse religious traditions, highlighting how religious institutions shaped gender roles and segregated spaces for men and women, thus influencing societal norms through cultural mediums.
Areas of Study:
Medieval and Early Modern History of India, History of Assam, Ahom History, South East Asian History, Gender & Women Studies.