Social Life in Ancient India
First Online: June 08, 2003
Page Last Updated: January 13, 2026
Historians usually give much importance to political events, often ignoring the study of social life. In a democratic setup, it is the people who matter more than those who rule or govern. The following study of a few aspects of social life in the medieval and ancient India, with attempts to give a clear picture of India's social heritage. The pictures are primarily based on period sculptures and sometimes related to period literature.
| Old Time Parties Drinking habits of men and women of Karnataka as described in medieval texts and sculptures. |
Bathing and Hygiene Depiction of bathing and women's hygiene in historical texts and sculptures. |
| Status of Women Article discussing the status of women in medieval Deccan; includes topics on temple-women, institution of marriage, sati, and adultery. |
Wonder-bras of another era Did ancient Indian women wear bras? Were they stitched? Were they padded? |
| Food Habits of Vijayanagara Times Research paper explores the food habits of Indians during the Vijayanagar times, using references in period literature, archaeology, and travelogues. |
Everyday Bhatkal Research paper on depiction of everyday life in a 16th century temple sculptures of Bhatkal town. |
Reference
Jyotsna Kamat, Social Life in Medieval Karnataka, Abhinav, 1980
