Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346 – A.D. 1646) v2.c20.s1.23

v2.c20.s1.23

Vishnu has removed certain disabilities placed on woman in the following words: "A woman (shall) not (be compelled to pay) the debt of her husband or son....”² As regards the six-fold property which a woman possesses, Manu says: "What (was given) before the (nuptial) fire, what (was given) on the bridal procession, what was given in token of love, and what was received from her brother, mother, or father, that is called the six-fold property of a woman".³ It is strange that Śukrāchārya, whose opinion we cited above, should qualify his statement in the following words: "Absolute right is given to women in the matter of wealth that is called women's wealth as regards sale and gift, even in immoveables".⁴