The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c9.3

c9.3

The position of the widow in society is one of the most important topics which the historian of woman has to discuss and elucidate. The treatment which she receives is often an index to the attitude of society towards women as a class. What was the general lot of the widow? Was she allowed to survive her husband, or was she compelled to die with him? If permitted to survive, could she marry again if she so desired? Did she receive a humane and considerate treatment from the family and society? Could she hold or inherit property, so that she could lead an honorable and independent life after her husband's death? These are the main topics which we have to discuss in connection with the position of the widow. Of these, the question of the proprietary rights will be discussed in the ninth chapter. Here we shall take up the problems of Satī, levirate, remarriage, and tonsure. Of these, the question of the Satī custom will engage us in this chapter and the rest will be discussed in the next, which will close with a general survey of the position of the widow from age to age.