The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c16.41

c16.41

In the later medieval period warfare became more inhuman as a consequence of the contact with the barbarous hordes that came pouring into India almost every century. In Rajputana interminable internecine warfare was going on during this period; but Rajputs failed to observe a code of warfare, which would respect the honour of captive women. Conquerors often carried the wives of the conquered to their harems³. This, however, was inevitable, for the practice had become universal in India since the advent of Islamic armies. We cannot therefore sufficiently admire Shivaji for rising above the morals of his age and treating captured women with great respect and consideration.