BHU Exam Question on ‘Brahmanical Patriarchy’ Sparks Row
MA History paper triggers protests, political reactions and academic debate at BHU
- Controversial MA History question sparks protests at BHU
- Students and professors object to wording used in exam paper
- Vice-Chancellor says issue will be addressed later
- Akhilesh Yadav alleges political strategy behind controversy
GG News Bureau
Varanasi, 19th May: A question in the MA History examination at Banaras Hindu University has triggered controversy and protests after students and faculty members objected to the wording used in the paper.
The disputed question in the fourth paper of the MA History examination asked: “How did Brahmanical patriarchy hinder the progress of women in ancient India?”
The issue sparked intense debate on social media and protests on the university campus in Varanasi, with several students and professors terming the question objectionable and biased.
Some students argued that the language used in the question targeted a particular community and should not have been included in an academic examination.
Subhash Pandey, an astrology professor at BHU, criticised the question and alleged that it reflected a Left-oriented historical perspective.
He claimed there was no discrimination between men and women in Indian culture and argued that such interpretations were influenced by Mughal-era narratives.
The controversy also drew reaction from the Kashi Vidvat Parishad.
Vinay Pandey questioned the basis of the question and said BHU should not support such framing in examinations.
Meanwhile, Ajit Chaturvedi refrained from commenting directly on the issue and said the matter would be addressed later.
Anuradha Singh, a history professor at the university, said it was difficult to identify the exact historical context intended in the question but added that such wording should ideally be avoided in examinations.
She said the term “Brahmanical” is often used in historical literature to describe socio-economic and cultural structures, but stressed that conclusions about women’s status should not be framed in a predetermined manner.
Student reactions also intensified on the campus.
Bhanu Pratap Singh alleged that the question damaged the image of BHU and accused Left-leaning academics of promoting biased narratives.
The controversy later turned political after Akhilesh Yadav alleged that such controversies were part of a “well-thought-out strategy” by the BJP.
The issue has triggered wider discussions on academic freedom, historical interpretation and ideological debates within university campuses.
