The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c7.s3.16

c7.s3.16

The evidence from the epics and the Buddhist literature also shows that down to about 400 B. C. brides in cultured families used to be about 16 at the time of their marriage. They are often described as eagerly pining for being united with husbands¹. Nuns like Viśākhā and Kuṇḍalakeśā, who had entered the nunnery before their marriage, are represented as being either of the age of 16 or of the age of discretion when their marriages were being contemplated. Brides in the Jātakas are also usually seen to be grown up. We often come across love affairs there; in one place we find a maiden named Paṭachārā eloping with her lover, because her parents would not sanction her contemplated marriage². Sītā, Kuntī and Draupadī were fully grown up at the time of their marriages, which were consummated immediately.