Examining the notions and meanings of gender, power and agency, this book bridges theoretical discussions with empirical studies on agency and power. The rich variety of recent empirical studies on subversive activities have been inadequately theorized and conceptualised. The contributors ask: Does agency empower women? Do cultural, gender-based alternatives, openly or secretly, assist women in search of the freedom to voice themselves? At what costs are women prepared to extend their newly acquired agency? Critically examining the relationship between agency and symbolic structures, the book presents the growing reality confronting Indian women. The ethnographic studies depicted present the readers with the growing reality confronting women. What avenue of resistance is available when they challenge the code of conduct expected from them? What are the alternatives to ingrained patriarchal structures? Is women’s search for different sources of empowerment a form of resistance?