Hindu Law and Custom (Recht und Sitte) c7.852

c7.852

The consideration of males in the line of heirs and the differentiation of the various kinds of Stridhana including the immovables at the time of succession indicates an epoch in which the Stridhana was developed far beyond mere ornaments and articles of use. Such a development is again revealed particularly by the highly complicated rules about women’s right of disposition over their Stridhana in Kāty. 24, 80-92.¹ She is said to be quite free to spend the presents received from her loving relations (saudāyika) or give them away or sell them even if they consist of immovables. Neither her husband nor her blood-relations have any right on her Stridhana, and if they use it forcibly they should have to restore it with interest and pay a penalty for it; yet it is also remarked that she may lend her Stridhana voluntarily to her husband—may be to help him in the pursuit of his trade. The sons would have to deliver to her the Stridhana after her husband’s death which was even only promised to her by him; but it is compulsory only if she remains with his family and not with her father.