The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c16.53

c16.53

Hindu society has sought to show its concern for the woman in a variety of ways. On crowded streets way was to be made for her. If she was in difficulties in her journey, it was the duty of every cultured person to help her in overcoming them. She was to be exempted from the ferry tax. If she had no proper guardians, the state was to look after her interest and property. To accept a bride-price was a very great sin. The marriage expenses of a daughter were a charge on her father’s property, and brothers were expected to meet them, even if there were no ancestral assets. For the same offence law courts were usually to impose a lighter punishment upon women than upon men (*Arthaśāstra*, IV, 12). Merit was to be always honoured, whether it was found in men or in women¹.