The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c10.s3.6

c10.s3.6

When precisely the custom of tonsure came into vogue is not easy to determine. Epigraphic and Smṛiti evidence cited above shows that the custom was not in vogue down to the 9th century A. D. Some Smṛitis, like that of Vedavyāsa, which are probably later than this period, begin to recommend that if a widow does not become a Satī, she should tonsure her head³. The prohibition of Niyoga and remarriage, which began to be fully operative at this period, gave a further impetus to the custom. Medieval writers like Mādhava and Anantadeva recommend the custom, and it is referred to by several European merchants and travellers from the 16th century downwards. It was quite common in the kingdom of Vijayanagar. We may, therefore, conclude that the custom became general from about 1200 A. D. Probably it was first confined to the Brahmana class, and was then gradually extended to the rest of society. It was, however, more common in southern than in northern India.