Review by Choice Review
Singh's study is based on data derived from a wide variety of sources in many archives and libraries, and explores Hindu women's experiences as victims and criminals in 19th-century colonial India. Detailed analysis of data reveals that a large majority of women's crimes originated from their victimization and oppression at the hands of native patriarchy in coalition with the colonial rulers, and that the colonial justice system was utterly unjust for most women when they faced the law. Examination of colonial policies leads the author to argue that women's crime was largely induced by colonial intervention, oppression, and exploitation, and that punishment for such crimes was used as a method of social control. This well-written and carefully documented book is a significant contribution to the literature on history of women in India. It certainly merits the attention of scholars interested in colonial history, women's studies, Indian history, criminality, and political economy. Excellent notes, tables, appendix, bibliography, and index. Highly recommended for libraries serving advanced undergraduate and graduate students. H. S. Jassal SUNY College at Cortland
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
