Ancient Indian Colonies in the Far East (Vol. I: Champa; Vol. II: Suvarnadvipa) v2.c20.s3.25

v2.c20.s3.25

In general, the position of a woman in Java seems to have been much better than in India, so far at least as the political rights were concerned. Guṇapriyā Dharmapatnī ruled in her own rights, and in the official records her name was placed before that of her husband.² The records of Airlangga show that a lady named Śrī Sangrāmavijaya Dharmaprasādottungadevi occupied the post of ‘rakryan mahāmantri i hino’ next only to that of the king.³ Rājapatnī succeeded Jayanagara, and her eldest daughter acted as regent for her although this daughter had a son.⁴ Again, we know that after the death of Vikramavardhana, his daughter Suhitā ascended the throne although she had two brothers.¹ It is also interesting to note that on ceremonial occasions, such as the establishment of a freehold, the wives of officials are stated in the inscriptions to have received presents from the king along with their husbands.