The two women discussed everything: the new sexual harassment policy at Anjali’s workplace, the rising price of gold (still the bedrock of a woman’s streedhan ), and the joy of buying her own two-wheeler. “My grandmother never rode a bicycle,” Anjali laughed. “I’m on an electric scooter wearing a helmet over my gajra .”

Indian women are an integral part of a diverse and vibrant culture that has been shaped by centuries of history, tradition, and social change. The lifestyle and culture of Indian women vary greatly depending on factors such as region, urban vs. rural settings, and socio-economic backgrounds.