The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c16.111

c16.111

We should therefore note in fairness that the doctrine of perpetual tutelage of women that came to be advocated in ancient India, when women ceased to be educated and began to be married early in their childhood, was almost universally subscribed till the beginning of the 20th century. The relatively stronger position of men in all the spheres of life, their better education, stronger muscles, leadership in literature and jurisprudence, naturally helped the spread of the notion. Down to the middle of the last century public opinion averred in the West also that men were by nature superior to women mentally, morally and physically; the latter must therefore be ruled by the former. Ambition and independence were unfeminine attributes; women have to cultivate obedience, humility and unselfishness..