This book was written for an American audience but how does it matter? For Pandita Ramabai conveys the misery and dread that caged her country women with as much fervour and angst as it was meant to be understood. Mrs Carpenter and Rachel Bodley who supported Pandita and Anandibai Joshi in their educational pursuits have given a detailed account of Pandita's early life before working for emancipation of women. Having never known about Pandita, I was not surprised to read of her hardships as I was when I came to know that she was invited by W.W.Hunter who drafted the education policy in 1882 to emphasise on need for women's education. Her courage and determination is phenomenal for women even today.

Her erudite manner of writing with regards to using statistics from the Census and quoting and translating Sanskrit phrases since she was a Sanskrit Scholar is commendable. I was also pleasantly surprised to read the refined and polished language in which the book makes history of Indian women known to the world. Pandita truly was an accomplished woman of intellect and thought. It's a pity we don't know of such seminal texts since they are not mentioned in our education system. It would be greatly beneficial if children today learn and read this important book so as to always remember that patriarchy which laid the ground rules for women is not something to be defended against the feminist movement. When people question the significance of feminism today, make them read this book and help get them rid of their ignorance. Those who are trying to defend Manu and the great Indian culture ought to know that the truth will no longer stay put against all the falsities so far propagated by the powerful. A must read for all. ( )