Condition of women in ancient india. Status of Women in India: Ancient, Medieval and Modern 2022-10-29

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The condition of women in ancient India was a complex and varied one, as it was influenced by a range of factors such as social, cultural, and religious norms. In some aspects, women enjoyed a high degree of respect and privilege, while in others, they were subject to discrimination and oppression.

In ancient India, women were considered to be the backbone of the family and were expected to play a vital role in the upbringing and education of children. They were also responsible for managing the household and performing various domestic duties. However, despite this important role, women were often seen as inferior to men and were not afforded the same rights and privileges.

One significant aspect of the condition of women in ancient India was the practice of sati, or the ritual of a widow immolating herself on her husband's funeral pyre. This practice was seen as a way for the widow to show her devotion to her husband and was believed to bring honor to the family. However, this practice was later abolished in the 19th century due to the efforts of reformers who saw it as a form of oppression and discrimination against women.

Another aspect of the condition of women in ancient India was the concept of pativrata, or the ideal of a wife being devoted to her husband. This concept was seen as a virtue and was highly valued in society. However, it also meant that women were expected to be submissive to their husbands and were not afforded the same freedoms as men.

Women in ancient India also faced discrimination in matters of inheritance and property ownership. In many cases, women were not allowed to inherit property and were dependent on their male relatives for their livelihood. This often left them vulnerable and disadvantaged in the event of their husband's death or absence.

Despite these challenges, there were also instances of women enjoying a high degree of respect and privilege in ancient India. Many women played important roles in society and were highly influential, such as the queens and princesses who wielded political power and wielded significant influence over the affairs of the kingdom. In addition, there were also many female saints and religious leaders who were revered for their spiritual wisdom and teachings.

In conclusion, the condition of women in ancient India was complex and varied, as it was influenced by a range of cultural, social, and religious factors. While women faced discrimination and oppression in many aspects of their lives, there were also instances where they enjoyed a high degree of respect and privilege.

Status of women in ancient India

condition of women in ancient india

The practice was followed by the wives of defeated Rajput rulers, who are known to place a high premium on honour. This amount of money was given to her as a gift which she can use on her and her children but her in-laws did not have any right on that amount. All these changes happened due to various reasons. Akkamahadevi, also known as Akka or Mahadevi was a bhakta from the southern region of Karnataka and a devotee of Shiva in the 12th century CE. In general, women were distrusted. · Maternal Mortality The mortality rate in India is among highest in the world.

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Condition of women in ancient India?

condition of women in ancient india

However, the decision was vociferously opposed by fundamentalist Muslim leaders, who alleged that the court was interfering in their personal law. Earlier, many cases were not registered with the police due to the social stigma attached to rape and molestation cases. The status of women went down the hill with full force from vedic age to the age of dharmashastra and with introduction to Brahmanism the status women had was not less than of a slave who never asked a question and performed as the master asked. But they were supposed to entertain kings, priests, and even members of the upper classes. Ram Mohan Roy also did great work in the field of women education.

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Status of Women in India: Ancient, Medieval and Modern

condition of women in ancient india

The history has mainly portrayed women to be a fragile and dependant, well except a few which came across to be strong and could defend themselves. His liberal Namadharma in the name of Lord Krishna influenced all the societies, religions and cultures. The wives were not to be beaten or maltreated for the God did not accept the sacrifice of a man who beats his wife. One of the most famous female business success stories is the Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad. The abuse of the dowry tradition has been one of the main reasons for sex-selective abortions and female infanticides in India.

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Essay on the Condition of Women in Ancient India

condition of women in ancient india

The social life presented by Ramayana and Mahabharata may be the first written record of Hindu way of living. The Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras now Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai institutions did not permit the admission of girls till 1875. Sati effectively prevents the inheritance by widows. The son lived with his parents, earned money for the family, protected the family from enemies, and perpetuated the name of the family. It was still acceptable for Hindus to mingle and to some level accept the culture brought by Aryans. In addition, it allows special provisions to be made by the State in favour of women and children Article 15 3 , renounces practices derogatory to the dignity of women Article 51 A e , and also allows for provisions to be made by the State for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief.

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Status of Women in Ancient India

condition of women in ancient india

According to some of the Hindu scriptures women dying at the funeral pyre of her husband go straight to heaven so its good to practice this ritual. The commonality between both the cultures was that of their fondness of son, a male over a female child. Would she have been a better companion and a more useful guide to her totally blind husband if she was not blind? The evidence is everywhere; the voice of women is increasingly heard in Parliament, courts and in the streets. These reformers attacked only those practices that were extremely cruel or visibly violent affecting only high caste Indian women. Sati became popular during the later Vedic period where the widows either chose for themselves or were forced to jump into the pyre of their husbands so that they may not be spoiled afterward by others. Bhakti movements which flourished during the medieval age gave rise to a new class of man and women who cared little for gender bias.

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What are the conditions of women in India?

condition of women in ancient india

Indian History writes that the code disapproved of widow remarriage, something previously allowed. They were devoid of education because of this social-custom. ADVERTISEMENTS: i Freedom Enjoyed By Women: The degree of freedom given to women to take part in public activities indicates the nature of the status enjoyed by women during Vedic period. A famous courtesan Amrapali who lived during the reign of Bimbisara 300 to 273 BC was a beauty whom Buddha visited. Soon, reports Miscellanea Geographica, women were disallowed from inheriting their husband's property and began to be considered as impure and were treated as second class citizens.

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Position of Women in Ancient India

condition of women in ancient india

Royalty in particular, unlike politicians today, were held to a high standard. Women virtually became exploited. The atrocities by the male counterpart or by the society has been embraced, imbibed and unquestionably understood to be a lifestyle of a female in India, this particular understanding is within the culture and any outsider perceives the same about any Indian women. Kalpana Chawla, who was the member of Colombia Space Shuttle, which exploded on its way back, was the first Indian women astronaut who visited space station. Women are not given the right to free movement that means that they cannot go anywhere on their own if they want and they have to take the permission of male member of family or have to take them along.


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The Socio

condition of women in ancient india

The law governing society by manu introduced tons of restriction to the women which was the start to deterioration of women. The first was the abolition of sati by law, on humanitarian grounds. The awakening of nationalism led to social movements which affected the devdasi system too. Some of the Vedic hymns and a number of Buddhist hymns are ascribed to the Buddhist nuns. When Vedic Era began, the patriarchal culture has eliminated the matriarchal culture. However, some others hold contrasting views. Maitreyi often involved in theological dialogues with her husband.

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