The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c12.26

c12.26

Intercaste *anuloma* marriages were permitted during this period. What then was the religious status of wife who belonged to a lower caste? Could she participate in sacrifices? Later writers like Manu no doubt ordain that only the wife of the same caste could be associated with the husband in the sacrifices. The view of the earlier age was different; it allowed a *dvija* wife of the lower caste also full religious privileges, if she were the only wife of the husband¹. A Śūdra wife, or a wife for whom a bride-price had been paid, was however not entitled to any religious rights and privileges.