The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c11.s1.36

c11.s1.36

Even in the *Kathāsaritsāgara*, written towards the end of the 11th century A. D., there are hardly any traces of the Purda. In the story of Arthalobha (III, 286) we find a lady participating in mercantile business. Polygamous kings occasionally attempted to introduce some seclusion in their harems, but they were strongly and successfully opposed by their queens. Thus in the story of Ratnaprabhā, we find the heroine protesting to her husband against his view that even his own friends should not enter her apartments. ‘I consider’, says she, ‘that the strict seclusion of women is a folly produced by jealosy. It is of no use whatsoever. Women of good character are guarded only by their own virtue and nothing else¹.