The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c7.s2.24

c7.s2.24

Authorities are not agreed as to whether love unions should be included within the category of approved marriages. The *Baudhāyana Dharma Sūtra* refers with approval to the view of some thinkers that love unions ought to be commended as they presuppose reciprocal attachment¹. The *Kāmasūtra* regards them as ideally good². The *Mahābhārata* in one place includes the Gāndharva union within the group of the approved marriages (XIII, 44). Manu seems to be indecisive in the matter (III, 23-25). Later writers disapprove both the Gāndharva marriage and the self-choice by the bride (*svayaṁvara*). Owing to the introduction of child marriages both these had become impracticable in their days.