The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c13.60

c13.60

Originally Strīdhana consisted usually of ornaments and costly clothes. In course of time landed property also began to be conveyed to women as Strīdhana property. Jurists of the 7th and the 8th centuries discuss the question as to whether women possess full powers of ownership over the immoveable property so acquired. As may be expected, opinion was divided on the point. Kātyāyana holds that women possess the power of sale and mortgage even over the immoveable property included in their Strīdhana². Nārada differs from him and declares that women can dispose of only the moveables in their Strīdhana³. Medieval writers generally concur with this view⁴.