The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c16.17

c16.17

What is to be done if the criminal assault is unfortunately followed by a conception ? Our Smṛitis recognised that in the case of criminal assault, conception was an accidental circumstance, and it would not be equitable to refuse to readmit its victim merely on that score. They have therefore laid down that such a woman should be admitted to her former position as soon as she had delivered the child. The child was to be given to somebody else for rearing up, and was not to be admitted as a member of the family. Atri and Devala are typical advocates of this view; the latter avers that once the child is delivered, the woman becomes as pure and flawless as ever before¹.