The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c11.s1.35

c11.s1.35

To conclude, we find that even in pre-Muslim times there was a section in society from *c.* 200 A. D., which advocated the use of the veil for royal ladies for the purpose of increasing their prestige. There is, however, no evidence to prove that even five per cent. of royal families observed this custom during the Hindu period. Women of richer classes led a more sheltered life than what would be welcomed by the educated ladies today. This is shown by the term *antaḥpuram* ‘inner apartment’ used to denote the harem in the palace. Strangers were not expected to enter it. Women themselves would often retire into seclusion, when they found that their natural guardians were not with them. With their return, they would again begin to move out as usual, of course with due regard to decorum and propriety.