The Cyclical Nature of Patriarchy: The Upper Institutions in India

“Beti hai, bohoth aagey jayegi.” How many times have you heard someone say this – it is not an anomaly in Indian society? But 74 years after independence, 74 years after the birth of the Fundamental Right of equality, why are the scales still tipped in favor of the male? The answer lies in the patriarchal mindset of the nation, which propagates the superiority of men. Patriarchy seems like a harmless network of ideas, but upon a close analysis of the dismal existence of women in India – the vicious effects of the same are revealed. This paper seeks to delineate the trajectory of the patriarchal mindset in the country – how it was born, exacerbated and today, how it has been subdued by the westernization and fundamental rights in the country. It seeks to reveal that even after such effects, this mindset is still very much present, moreover, it is thriving. It is being fed by the men in the upper policy making and judicial bodies of the countries, as their inherently patriarchal ideas find a soapbox to be propagated. This paper puts forth a call to sensitize those in power to the grievances of women, or place women themselves at the forefront.