The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c14.s2.59

c14.s2.59

A number of other jurists, however, declare definitely that the widow is a limited heir. An authority quoted by the Mahābhārata states that the widow can only utilise the income of the property she has inherited; she can under no circumstances dispose of it². Kātyāyana states that the inheritance will revert to reversioners after the death of the widow, she having no power to dispose of it¹. Bṛihaspati, we have seen, was a fervent champion of the widow's rights, but even he expressly declares that her powers over her inheritance are limited; she cannot sell, mortgage or gift it away. He, however, permits a gift for religious purposes, which presumably was to be of a small portion only². Nārada declines to concede full powers to the wife even over her Strīdhana, if it comprised of any immoveable property. The wise have declared, says this sage, that transactions of landed property like sale, mortgage or gift, if made by women, are automatically invalid³.