Hindu Law and Custom (Recht und Sitte) c7.854

c7.854

Generally the greatest possible Stridhana should be given to women, yet however not exceeding 2000 paṇas and generally no immovables should be given to her. The earning of a woman by her own labour and presents received from outsiders are not included in the Stridhana, she can dispose of them only with the consent of her husband. Such rules were necessary at a time when the Stridhana had assumed very large proportions; as the wife conducted the household affairs and as the daily incomes and expenses passed through her hands (M. 9, 11), she did not lack opportunities for encroachments which might sap the whole family property (Nār. 12, 92). It must have also appeared equally dangerous to let the immovables actually in her possession go down to the daughters, and thus outside the Gotra, after her death.