Vidyabharati International Interdisciplinary Research Journal (Special Issue) ISSN 2319-4979 Special Issue on Advanced Research and Development in Interdisciplinary Studies [Oct. 2021] 1 STATUS OF WOMEN IN MEDIEVAL INDIA: ROOTS OF CRUELTY AND KEY TO EXCELLENCE Manisha Rani 1 and Seema Parihar 2 Department of History, CT University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ABSTRACT In ancient times women were treated with respect and dignity. During this period, there were women rishis, sages and experts of Vedas. They were held in high esteem. In royal households women were given respect and they even rendered a significant involvement in the making of decisions and administrative purpose. With the passage of time position changed andduring the Middle Ages, women's status began to deteriorate. The Muslim era was prevalent throughout this time period. Women's lives were drastically altered during this time period. They were seen to be less capable than their male counterparts. The birth of a female child was frowned upon. During this time, the women were forced to deal with a variety of issues. Child marriage, sati, the purdah system, Jauhar, and restrictions on girls' education were among the challenges that women faced, leading to a decrease in their status. Main objective of this paper is to study medieval period in perception of factors related to deteriorating their status in this period. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Keywords: Medieval, Communities, improvements, problems, status, women Introduction Medieval India spans centuries from the collapse of the last major ancient state, the Gupta dynasty, through the creation of the massive Mughal Empire in the 16 th century. The subcontinent's culture saw significant transformations throughout this time. The primary movements it witnessed included the rise of contemporary Hinduism, the decline of Buddhism, and the establishment of Islam as the dominating force in the region.In connection with these changes in the religious composition of Indian society, there have been significant developments in politics, society, economics, arts, architecture and literature. In Indian history medieval India is divided into two eras as early medieval period and late medieval India. The "early Middle Ages," which spanned from the sixth to the thirteenth centuries, and the "late Middle Ages," which spanned from the thirteenth to the sixteenth centuries and ended in 1526 on establishment of the Mughal Empire. Era of Mughal, spanned 16 th -18 th centuriesreferred to as the early modern period or late medieval period. Furthermore, elements were implemented that resulted in improvements in their status. These include education, job possibilities, and skill and ability enhancements, all of which would make a substantial contribution to improving their lives. As a result, it is vital for leaders and reformers to establish policies that will help to eliminate the issues and impediments that women face. The key problems faced by females in medieval India causes accentuating the situation of women and advancements made in the condition of women in this period in India are all addressed in this research study. The steady fall of the Gupta Empire from around 480 to 550 CE which marked the end of the "classic" era and ancient India is usually believed to be the commencement of the period. There were no big and powerful states in North India until the Sultanate of Delhi or more likely the Mughal Dynasty but there were many dynasties that ruled significant territories for a long period as well as many others who ruled minor areas and were expected to pay tribute to the larger nations. Eventually, after the conquest of the Indian subcontinent by Muslims and the decline of Buddhism, the Delhi Sultanate and the Indo-Islamic architecture were founded followed by the Bengal Sultanate which became the world's largest trading nation. The changes in the social environment of India in the middle ages were primarily the resultant outcome of economic developments like decline of trade and commerce, religious activities and cultural changes, not equal distribution of land, traders &power.During this period the growing birth pridewhich is a feature of feudal societies,& accompanying economy of self dependent provinces, has hampered both spatial and occupational movements, creating many castes in country. It leads to the downfall in trade as well as commerce which led to downfall in