VARANASI, May 20 -- A question asked in the fourth semester MA history examination paper at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) recently has triggered a debate. The question: 'What do you understand by the term "Brahmanical Patriarchy"? Discuss how Brahmanical patriarchy hindered the progress of women in ancient India' appeared in the paper titled 'Women in Modern Indian Society'. Prof MP Ahirwar, head, Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology, BHU, says, "Brahmanical Patriarchy is a sociological and historical concept. It does not merely denote the dominance of men belonging to a specific caste; rather, it is a social and legal structure wherein strict control is exercised over women's freedom, their bodies, and their mobility to preserve the 'purity' of caste." "The media should see the profound historical significance or context of serious academic or sociological terms, instead of sensationalising them.....See, an extremely sensitive subject is reduced to nothing more than a vehicle for political and social controversy," Ahirwar said. The BHU administration said, "We have taken cognizance of the ongoing discussions in the media regarding the question. It is clarified that the question was asked strictly within the prescribed syllabus of the paper titled 'Women in Modern Indian History'. With a view to enhancing knowledge and analytical skills in any given subject, students are expected to possess information regarding the diverse facets and contexts of the topics outlined in the syllabus." "Academic debate and differences in perspective are inherent possibilities regarding any concept included in the curriculum. In this context, students are also provided with suggestions for reading materials to enable them to develop a comprehensive understanding of various perspectives pertaining to the subject," it further said. "This very principle underlies the questions asked in examination papers. Therefore, the questions should be viewed strictly within an academic context. No unnecessary controversy of any kind should be generated in this regard," the BHU administration added....