The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c17.s3.15

c17.s3.15

Even during the last two thousand years the average woman continued to lead a happy and contented life, fondled by her parents, loved by her husband and revered by her children. It must be, however, admitted that her cup of happiness was more frequently spilt in this period than ever before by the prohibition of widow remarriage, the revival of the Satī custom, the spread of the Purda and the greater prevalence of polygamy and supersession. Society’s attitude towards her was also one of patronising condescension. It no doubt insisted that she should be properly cared for and attended to, but did not take any effective steps to check the growing tendency to pass very uncharitable and utterly unjustifiable remarks about her nature and worth. It allowed the husband to trample under foot the marriage vow quite openly, but insisted that it should be followed by the wife, even if her husband were a moral wreck.