The Diverse Roles of Female Slaves

While female slaves were predominantly employed for domestic labor, they also played specialized roles in the service of the elite. Some were skilled musicians and dancers, entertaining at royal events and weddings. Others were tasked with surveillance, keeping watch over the nobles on behalf of the Sultan.

Despite their diverse roles, female slaves were considered indispensable assets for households, with their prices reflecting their perceived value in society.

Women Slaves, Sati and Labourers| Class 12 History Notes

Travellers to medieval South Asia often left behind accounts that shed light on the condition of women in the region.

While these narratives provide valuable insights, they also reflect the biases and limitations of their authors, who were predominantly men intrigued by the social dynamics they encountered.

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The Diverse Roles of Female Slaves

While female slaves were predominantly employed for domestic labor, they also played specialized roles in the service of the elite. Some were skilled musicians and dancers, entertaining at royal events and weddings. Others were tasked with surveillance, keeping watch over the nobles on behalf of the Sultan....

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Challenging Stereotypes: Rethinking Women’s Agency

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Women Slaves, Sati and Labourers- FAQs

What were the main observations of medieval travellers regarding the treatment of women in South Asia?...