BHU defends ‘Brahmanical Patriarchy’ question, says paper followed prescribed syllabus

A question on “Brahmanical Patriarchy” asked in a Banaras Hindu University (BHU) semester examination has triggered controversy over the use of sensitive social terminology in university examinations. The paper was conducted by the History Department under BHU’s Faculty of Social Sciences. The question appeared in the MA History fourth semester examination paper titled 'Women in Modern Indian Society'. Students were asked to explain the meaning of “Brahmanical Patriarchy” and discuss how it affected the progress of women in ancient India.

Question:What do you understand by the term ‘Brahmanical Patriarchy’? Discuss how the growth of Brahmanical Patriarchy impeded the progress of women in ancient India.

The three-hour examination carried 70 marks and was divided into three sections consisting of optional, short-answer and long-answer questions. Soon after the conclusion of the exam, the question paper went viral on social media and the matter came into the limelight, with users starting to bash BHU.

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BHU's statement

Addressing the same, BHU took to platform X to share its stand. The press note (originally in Hindi) reads, "Banaras Hindu University (BHU) administration has taken note of the discussions taking place in the media regarding a question asked in the MA (History) fourth semester examination in connection with women’s history. In this regard, the university clarified that the concerned question was asked from the prescribed syllabus of the paper 'Women in Modern Indian History.' The university stated that students are expected to develop knowledge and analytical understanding of various aspects and contexts related to topics mentioned in the syllabus."

The administration further said that academic debate and differences in viewpoints are possible on concepts included in the curriculum. In this process, students are also provided with reading material suggestions so that they can develop a broader understanding of different perspectives related to the subject. The same approach is reflected in the examination questions as well.

The university urged that the questions asked in the semester examination should be viewed purely in an academic context and that no unnecessary controversy should be created regarding the matter.

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The question has sparked differing opinions within academic circles, with some defending the phrase as a recognised academic concept while others questioning whether such terminology should be used in university examinations.

Professor Anuradha Singh from the university’s History Department defended the usage of the term and told Dainik Bhaskar that “Brahmanical Patriarchy” has been an established academic expression since the 1990s and is widely discussed in historical and gender studies scholarship. According to her, the meanings of concepts and terminology continue to evolve over time depending on changing historical and social contexts. She also stressed that sensitive expressions should be interpreted carefully to avoid deepening social divisions through misinterpretation.