Final Answer:
a) Increased, declined because it accurately captures the sequence of events concerning gender equality during the revolutionary period.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the revolutionary period, heightened awareness led to an initial increase in gender equality. However, as traditional norms resurged later on, there was a decline in the progress made.
Initially, the movement fostered greater recognition of gender equality, but over time, societal shifts brought about a regression toward traditional gender roles.
This fluctuation reflects a dynamic phase where progress wasn't linear, experiencing both advancement and regression in gender equality. Hence, the correct characterization is an initial increase followed by a subsequent decline in gender equality during this revolutionary period.
Hence, therefore option a is correct.