The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c7.s4.1

c7.s4.1

Let us now see what part the bride took in the settlement of the her marriage. It naturally varied. in different periods. In early times when brides were 16 or 17 at the time of their marriage, they had a more or less effective voice in the selection of their partners in life. The Vedic literature does not refer to parents controlling the marriages of their sons and daughters, though they must doubtless have played an important part in arranging and financing them. On the other hand we have references to beautiful brides selecting their own husbands². Kshatriya circles in society even conceded to grown-up brides the exclusive right of selecting their own consorts, as is proved by the custom of Svayaṁvara or self-choice.