I have a friend who is a female from India. I have asked her a lot, so I'll tell you what I can remember. In no particular order:
Women still have very traditional roles in almost all of India. There are incredible expectations of "appearances" and they are extremely well mannered and polite and respectful with rare exception, which still doesn't compare with American women.
They tend to wear their traditional clothes, which is a Sari... or gown of sorts. My friend wears plenty of western clothing to and I don't think there are problems doing that... but I think they prefer their traditional dress as its absolutely beautiful, simple and I assume very comfortable.
Marriages are still arranged in most of the country, though its far more rare to find forced marriages. The parents are looked to, to find a suitable match, but the woman can do what she wants and can find her own man if she chooses.
Women are able to work in India if they wish and many do, but the man is definitely considered the head of the family/house and its on him to provide the money. The woman is expected to do more or less ALL of the housework. That includes maintaining a very clean home and providing for the comfort of any guests. Meals are still prepared at home in traditional ways and while they have it down to a science, its fairly complex with all their spices, seasonings and the fact that most make their own yogurt for daily consumption.
Women have every opportunity to go to school as the men, as far as I know. My friend had a master's degree.
Women are also accepted into politics and are given a lot of respect when they are. Traditional roles within families apply, but I get the sense that once you step out of the door of your home... standards between non-family members are very different.
Men... even boys are taught to be very "masculine" and once they are old enough to have a will of their own, it seems the mother loses some amount of influence over the boys decisions. I've seen a very arrogant side to the Indian men and in some ways, they don't care about the smaller things that an American might find very insensative to his mother. In India, from what I've seen, the mother is not a dominating figure over the men. Though if you watch Indian soap opera's... there is at least 1 evil sister and evil Aunt in every family. I'm told its not true in real life... but... who knows.
Women definitely run in packs in India. At the religious centers that I have seen, women and men stay somewhat separate. Not that its forced, but women towards the back when everyone is assembled and men in the front. Families would separate into males/females.
The thing I would probably emphasize most from my experiences, is how committed to being a servant to guests and family alike. Very courteous and almost compelled to attend to the needs or desires of the men, extended family and guests. Like the 1950's TV shows in America might depict, but to an even greater extent.
The women is definitely the "Homemaker" still.
