The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c10.s1.12

c10.s1.12

The custom of Niyoga was fairly common down to *c.* 300 b. c. After that time it began to meet with considerable opposition, because society felt that such temporary unions were undesirable from several points of view. A school of reformers arose, which opposed this custom tooth and nail. It was led by Āpastamba, Baudhāyana and Manu. Āpastamba argued that the son by Niyoga would belong to the begetter and so would be of no spiritual benefit to the woman's husband¹. Baudhāyana concurred with him. Manu condemned the custom as beastly and declared that it was no longer permissible to follow it². It is, however, interesting to note that in spite of their vehement condemnation, these writers have laid down detailed rules about the Niyoga procedure.