The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c13.52

c13.52

But even supposing that the reading of Vijñāneśvara is the genuine one, we have to concede that Yājñavalkya could hardly have intended to include items like inheritance and share at partition under the term 'etcetera.' These were very important items, which not only increased extensively the woman's rights, but circumscribed those of the coparceners. Yājñavalkya would surely have specifically and prominently mentioned them in his description of Strīdhana, instead of smuggling them surreptitiously under the term 'etcetera.' The word etcetera, if at all used by him, must have been obviously intended to include items like bride-price, gifts from relations, and presents received after the marriage, which are mentioned in the immediately following line.