Controversy at BHU over question on ‘Brahmanical patriarchy’

ABVP students protest outside the History Department

Workers of the All India Students’ Council (on the right)

Varanasi (UP) – A controversy has arisen over a question related to Brahmins asked in the fourth semester examination of the M.A. History course at Banaras Hindu University. Students associated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged protests outside the university’s History Department over the issue. They demanded that the university administration conduct a thorough enquiry into the matter and take action against those responsible. The question paper had been prepared by History Department professor Sutapa Das; however, she has not yet responded following the controversy.

The ABVP has demanded that the university administration review the concerned question, fix responsibility upon the guilty individuals, and ensure that in future no questions motivated by ideological bias become part of the examination process.

What was the question in the examination?

The controversy began over a question asked in the fourth semester M.A. (History) examination under the subject ‘Women in Modern Indian History’: “Discuss how Brahminical patriarchy impeded progress of women in ancient India?” According to the University, the topic of Brahminical patriarchy is included in the syllabus, and the question was asked on that basis. The administration stated that such topics are taught in History with the objective of developing students’ comprehensive knowledge, analytical ability, and understanding of different perspectives. It further stated that academic debate and differences of opinion regarding any concept are natural.