The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c8.3

c8.3

Early in the history of our civilisation brides naturally received affectionate and respectful treatment in their new homes as they were grown up and educated at the time of marriage. The Vedic marriage hymn lays down that the bride should immediately take the reins of the household from her elderly relations¹. Her views were usually to prevail in the household management². Perhaps these statements have to be taken with a grain of salt, being of the nature of the eulogy and glorification of the new bride. Probably they refer to the wife of the eldest son in the family, who has become its *de facto* head owing to the old age of his parents, his unmarried brothers and sisters being still under his guardianship. Nevertheless we may well conclude from them that the elders of the Vedic age treated the brides with very great consideration, regard and affection. They on their part used to observe proper decorum and treat their elders with utmost deference and reverence¹. They could, however, join them at the common table, and take part in conversation².