A Comparative Study Of Women’s Political Participation In Mughal Era, British Colonial Rule And Post-Independence Pakistan

Abstract

This research paper present a comparative study of women’s political participation with in local governance structure across three significant historical period in the Indian sub-continent: the Mughal Era, British Colonial Rule and post-independence period. The study explores the evolving status, role and agency of women in Political-Decision Making at the local level, tracing shift in socio political norms, legal frameworks, and institutional structure. During the Mughal period women political engagement was largely informal and confined to elite circles within royal courts. Under British colonial rule, the imposition of western governance models led to both marginalization of women in formal politics and the emergence of early women movements demanding political rights. Post-Independence both India and Pakistan introduced constitutional provisions and electoral reforms to enhance women’s political participation in local governance.   Through a historical- comparative lens, this paper highlights patterns of continuity and change in women political engagement, emphasizing how patriarchal legacies and colonial interventions shaped temporary challenges.