Jain Journal 1996 01

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 18

HAMPANA : DĀNACINTĀMAŅI ATTIMABBE
79
Attimabbe had to compete in a race with unequal terms in a world which was male-dominated. But the way Attimabbe faced the maledoninated society a thousand years ago, shoulder to shoulder, with the increasing confidence, makes the feminist theory move in a practical direction with the hope that some of these ideas might be implemented under the newly constituted indian Law. Attimabbe enjoyed a great deal of freedom. She was not dependent either on her parents or brothers or husband or children. She was completely independent, both in her father's house, before marriage, and in her fatherin-law's house, after marriage. In brief, Attimabbe demonstrates a model of a more practical feminist theory. She provides an outlet for new research in women's history and promotes scholarship among women that is broadly representative of a typical Indian and an archetype of a Jain waman.
Success and attainments of Attimabbe incorporates a broad spectrum of human concerns; in the sphere of polity, in social sphere and in the sphere of religion she had her say.
Attimabbe patronishd writers, sculptors, singers (both Instrumental and the Vocal), dancers, storytellers, warriors, orphans and the beggars and so on. Usually these are the privileges of the male, as is the custom and tradition in the Indian family; but Attimabbe, a daring woman, alone did all these and a lot more.
Without sacrificing her identity, Attimabbe stands like Olympus against the vast canvas of Chālukyan society. No other power or person , male or female, could wield so much command and awe, over the length and breadth of the early Chālukyan period or at any period of history, as Attimabbe could. Apart from the acts of courage, with her goodwill she had determination, motivation and a goal for women's overall development. She did not want to be a passive beneficiary, and therefore she distributed all her wealth. Equality, peace and development are the main issues that highlighted her long struggle for recognition. Her equal participation in everyday life was exceptional. With the particiption of such dynamic women like Attimabbe, the struggle for women's emancipation gathers momentum.
In the fitness of things to commemorate and perpetuate her memory, it is laudable that the Government of Karnātaka has decided to honour any woman, with brilliant record of achievements, by awarding a cash prize of one lakh rupees in the name of Attimabbe. One cannot contemplate a better way of remembering and celebrating the Sahasra-manotsava' of Attimabbe than initiating 'Attimabbe Prasasti'.