The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c13.50

c13.50

There can be no doubt that the original verses in *Yājñavalkyasmṛiti*, which are quoted in the foot note below,³ did not contemplate the inclusion of any of the categories mentioned by Vijñāneśvara within the scope of Strīdhana. It is even doubtful whether the crucical term *ādyam*, which is Vijñāneśvara’s sole justification for the amplification of the definition of Strīdhana, really occurred in the original verse of Yājñavalkya. Jīmūtavāhana contends that the correct reading is ‘*Ādhivedanikaṁ chaiva*’ and not ‘*Ādhivedanikādyaṁ cha*.’ The word ‘*ādyam*’ is generally used in Sanskrit at the end of an enumeration, so it should have come not after *ādhivedanika*’ in v. 143, but after ‘*anvādheyakaṁ*’ in v. 144, which is the last specific category of Strīdhana mentioned by Yājñavalkya. Aparārka, who is one of the earliest commentators of Yājñavalkya, also reads *chaiva*, which seems to be the genuine reading of verse.