Motherhood is one of the most enduring and respected social institutions in human history. Although motherhood has traditionally been linked with marriage, historical evidence demonstrates that women have raised children independently in diverse social, cultural, and economic circumstances. Single motherhood has existed across civilizations in the form of widowhood, abandonment, separation, migration, conflict, and personal choice. In contemporary society, the meaning of single motherhood has expanded to include divorced women, unmarried mothers, adoptive mothers, and women who choose motherhood through assisted reproductive technologies. This chapter examines the historical development, social realities, challenges, legal dimensions, and contemporary significance of single motherhood with special reference to India. Drawing upon historical narratives, social reform movements, legal developments, media representation, and modern gender discourse, the study highlights the resilience, agency, and contributions of single mothers across generations. It argues that motherhood beyond marriage is not a modern phenomenon but a continuing historical reality that reflects women’s strength, responsibility, and capacity to nurture families despite adversity.