The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c10.s1.15

c10.s1.15

It is therefore clear that the advocacy of the new school was for a long time ineffective. Among the Dharmasūtra writers, Vasishṭha and Gautama do not join the crusade against Niyoga started by Āpastamba and Baudhāyana; they permit Niyoga to the widow at her option, with the only proviso that she should not choose a stranger if a brother-in-law was available. Kauṭilya permits an old king to raise a new son by Niyoga, if his own son turned out to be wicked or incompetent.