The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c13.86

c13.86

The above survey of the history of Strīdhana shows that it was recognised very early in the history of Hindu civilisation. Maxims of prehistoric times declaring that women can hold no property independently of their husbands were no doubt included in law books down to the 5th century A. D; but they were not allowed to affect the development of Strīdhana. Its scope went on gradually increasing, till eventually, in some schools at least, it came to include all the varieties of property that a woman may happen to own. It is probable that the jurists, who included in Strīdhana even the property acquired by inheritance and partition, did not intend to invest women with the right of its alienation. Nevertheless it is indisputable that they allowed them at least a life estate in it; this concession was indeed a remarkable one for the age. Over Strīdhana in its narrower sense women possessed absolute ownership; they could dispose of it at their own will, and their husbands had no right over it. It is true that in times of exceptional difficulties Strīdhana could be used for the general needs of the family, but that was a liability that could not be equitably avoided. It is worth noting that some jurists have laid down that Strīdhana spent even on such occasions ought to be refunded to women on the return of prosperity to the family.