Rig Veda recognised the right of inheritance of unmarried daughters on the property of her father but married daughters were exempted. The Rig Veda states that the widow had the right to marry again with her husband’s brother. In this age there was no practice of divorce. Female morality maintained a high standard although the same degree of fidelity was not expected from the husband. Remarriage of widows was permitted under certain conditions. However, being a patriarchal system, the women were expected to bear sons since the son performed the last rites and continued the lineage. The wife participated in the sacrificial offerings of her husband. Monogamy was the general practice though Bigamy was also in practice, but it was limited to the aristocratic classes. However, the concept of marriage as a dan or gift was prevalent. In Rig Vedic society, dowry system was unknown. There are references in Vedic literature that in the Kshatriya society, brides had exclusive right of selecting their own consorts, which was known as ‘Swayamvara’. During the Rig Vedic period, it is believed that the position of wife was honoured and women’s position was acknowledged, especially in the performance of religious ceremonies.Įducation of young girls was considered as an important qualification for marriage. Hence, the veneration for the mother is evident during that period. In the ancient Indus valley civilisation of India, evidences show the worship of the mother goddess. Social evils can be eradicated by raising consciousness and making people sensitive to injustice done to women. Social reformers thought that social change could be initiated by educating women and bringing progressive legislation. The root to the participation of women in politics can be traced back to 19 th century reform movement. The Indian patriarchal society that dominates the social, political and economic life of people in the country has never encouraged its women in any field, except kitchen! Indian women are relatively disempowered and they enjoy lower status than that of men from times immemorial. Their position was as subordinate to men.
Women were recognised only as wives and mothers. The historical analysis of the position of women in ancient India shows that women did not share an equal position with men. A historical understanding of status of women in early Indian society shows a declining trend in the position of women. Men had the role of earning and women had the role of reproduction of heirs and home making. Status of Women in Ancient India:Įvery human society is invariably characterised by social differentiations. Everything you need to learn about status of women in India.
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