HistoryMedieval India: Through the Eyes of Travellers

In medieval India, which group of women sometimes even took disputes…

In medieval India, which group of women sometimes even took disputes to the court of law, which suggests that women were not confined to the private spaces of their homes?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 3

The correct answer is Option (3) → Women from merchant families

Option (1) Women from peasant families — Incorrect. Peasant women's labour was important in farming. Going to court over trade disputes is linked with women of another group.

Option (2) Women from zamindar families — Incorrect. Zamindars were landholders, and land disputes may come to mind. Trade disputes in court are linked with women of a different group.

Option (3) Women from merchant families — Correct. Women from merchant families took part in commercial activities and sometimes took trade disputes to the court of law. This shows women were not shut inside their homes.

Option (4) Women from artisan families — Incorrect. Artisan women worked in non-agricultural production. Taking trade disputes to court is linked with women of another group.

NCERT (2026-27): “7. Women …
However, women’s lives revolved around much else besides the practice of sati. Their labour was crucial in both agricultural and non-agricultural production. Women from merchant families participated in commercial activities, sometimes even taking mercantile disputes to the court of law. It therefore seems unlikely that women were confined to the private spaces of their homes.”