The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c12.54

c12.54

When the Vedic Karmamārga gradually went into background, its place was taken by the new Bhakti and Pauranik schools, which rose into prominence at *c.* 500 A. D. The leaders of these movements had a catholic outlook and threw open their doors to all, irrespective of sex and caste. This was a welcome development for women. Their religious disenfranchisement had created a vacuum; it was filled by the Bhakti-Pauranik religion. In fact they became its *de facto* custodians.