The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c16.50

c16.50

For the offence of killing a woman Manu has prescribed the capital punishment³. To die in the defence of a woman is declared to be the surest way of ensuring a seat in heaven⁴. In some of the Smṛitis it is no doubt stated that the sin of killing a woman is equal to that of killing a Śūdra ; this however does not refer to the gravity of the crime, but to the theological dogma that the status of women was equal to that of the Śūdras, both not being entitled to the privilege of the sacred initiation (*upanayana*). This little incident will make it clear how great and far-reaching were the consequences of losing religious privileges in ancient times.