Symposia & Conferences

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The Status of Woman in Vedic Period
(International Conference on Sanskrit and Eastern Studies, 2018 Department of Sanskrit and Eastern Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Ven. Piyarathana, M.; Ven. Dhammadhaja, E.
The Vedic age was an important phase in the progress of Indian civilization and culture. Like all other civilizations, it has evolved from a simple system of a complex society. To shed light on the society, there are four main Vedas. The aim of this research is to examine the status of woman in Vedic period. Early Vedic people had a tribal life and then gradually evolved to territorial state. The status of woman during Vedic period is a complex matter and it is likely that reality might have been something different. According to available Vedic literature, in early Vedic age woman enjoyed a position of respect and esteem and there was a gradual decline in the status of woman in later Vedic period. During Rig Vedic period woman occupied the same position as man in intellectual and spiritual life. The literature mentions name of some woman like Vishwavara, Apala, Ghosha who composed hymns to attain the rank of Rishi. Besides, scholars there were also woman warriors. Girls were given freedom to choose their husband and were married only after attaining the age of maturity. There was no seclusion or purdah system, woman moved freely and participated in the public feasts and festivals. There is no reference of Sati (burning of widows) and practice Niyoga (married to any of the brother of dead husband).After all the rights bestowed upon woman, it is important to note that woman did not have equal rights as man in social and legal aspects. They did not possess the right to hold property. The birth of daughter in the family began to be looked down upon. The system of dowry also came into practice. According to Satapatha Brahmana, Maitryayni and others, an ideal woman is the one who dines after her husband and bracketed woman with dice and wine as the three main evils of the society. Texts also advocated marriage of girl before puberty and laid numerous restrictions on woman with regards to marriage, education, inheritance etc. These factors gradually led to the decline in the status of woman during the subsequent period
Was the Conflict Presented in The Drama ‘Yerma’ Influenced by Contemporary Spanish Society?
(Drama & Theatre and Image Arts Unit, Department of Fine Arts, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Wanninayake, D.P.K.
Garcia Lorca was a Spanish dramatist who wrote many dramas based on the 1930’s social background. The drama “Yerma” which was written in 1933 highlights the agricultural background of Spain at the time and discloses the social background of the above period. There are three main characters in this drama. They are Yuwan, Yerma, and Victor. The conflict of the play arises from the Yuwan’s inability to give to his wife a baby. She can have a baby by marrying Victor without concerning her former husband. However, she was trapped by social values and she is so concerned about the dignity and purity of a woman. Yerma pressurized by this conflict. Due to that, Yerma at the end of the drama ending their dream to have a child killed Yuwan. Therefore, at the end, the lives of both Yerma and Yuwan were destroyed. Here, they have to face the conflict between the real value of human beings and social structure. I argue that social values have greatly influenced the characters of this drama. Finally, I conclude that the social values and social background of a particular country are always connected with the lives of people of that particular country.
The role of woman as depicted in Ayurveda classics
(Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Molligoda, S.P.; Jayawardana, K.B.; Dammarathana Thero, Iduragare
The character of woman is defined in different aspects in pursue of various background. By means of picturesque paintings, sculptures and statues, the great virtuosos examine the true nature of woman when the poets elegantly eulogize the beauty of woman whereas extremists rigorously criticize. Although, Females who play diverse roles for the well-being of the entire society haven't been given the adequate priority by religions. The contribution for the betterment of the world is unavoidable impact whereas it unable to justify the position given even in the present society. The role of a woman has advanced significantly through aesthetic and medical fields. In the medical point of view, Ayurveda has shown that motherhood of the female is laid in her physical structure. Substantial researche haven't been done on the concept of the role of woman on the basis of Ayurveda literature in addition to few endeavours. In Ayurveda medical point of view, it is to be discussed that the nature of the female character. Literary study, methodology pertaining to the topic was compiled and scrutinized from the Vṛhatrai and Laghutrai ;Caraka Saṁhitā, Suṣrutasaṁhitā Aṣtāngahṛdayasaṁhitā etc on concept of femininity in Ayurveda. Relevant data is accumulated by means of texts compiled by great ancient sages. One of the sages (Acārya Caraka) has explained, the person should not insult women and should not have too much reliance upon them. Furthermore, one should not confide secrets in them and no one should give them authority indiscriminately. In addition to these facts, vital factors that help to have a strong relationship are discussed significantly. This is not only an interested field but also the essential discovery for the time being. By dint of innovative impacts of this research will create important position in the entire society for the role of the woman.

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