The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c7.s2.15

c7.s2.15

The writers of Dharmaśāstra literature almost lose their temper in condemning the custom of the bride-price. Baudhāyana warns the guardians that they will go to the most terrible hell if they sell daughters in marriage, and points out to the husband that a purchased bride would not become a legal wife at all². She continues to remain in her father's *gotra*, and sons born of her do not become entitled to offer oblations to her husband's ancestors¹. The *Padma-purāṇa* advises that even the face of a person, who has sold his daughter in marriage, should not be seen². A fifteenth century inscription from Tanjore district records an agreement among the Brahmins of that area to the effect that they would excommunicate anybody who would accept bride-price in marriage (*S. I. I.*, Vol. I, No. 56).