The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c6.47

c6.47

Grown up and educated girls naturally played an important part in the management of their parents' households. The important duty of receiving guests and looking after their comforts was usually entrusted to them. This work solely devolved upon them when their parents were out of station. We find Śakuntalā and Kuntī discharging this function in their fathers' households before their marriage. The latter was quite an adept in this task; she could extort admiration even from such a notoriously irascible guest as Durvāsas, who, being pleased with her attention and devotion, gave her a valuable boon unasked.