Sexual Life in Ancient India: A Study in the Comparative History of Indian Culture v2.c19.5

v2.c19.5

Thus these Kshattriya women stand with the men in the most important matters.¹ It is even held that where there are no sons, maidens shall be dedicated as rulers (xii, 33.45). It is true that even the Strīrājya, or empire of the Amazons, has a king ; he comes to the Svayaṃvara at Rājapura (xii, 4.7) ; and we are assured that where a woman takes the reins everything comes to grief (v, 38.43). That the “regiment of women” did often really oppress the land may be clearly seen also from ii, 5.76. Thus a most significant saying of an Asiatic despotic ruler, who offers to give everything to her that enjoys his favour, is that of Daçaratha, when Kaikeyī at the news of Rāma’s coming dedication as prince asks her old lover for a “favour” (iii, 227.22 ff. ; cp. Rām., ii, 10.27 ff.): “ ’Tis well. I will grant thee the gift of wishing. Take what thou wouldst have. Who that should not be killed is now to be killed ? Or who that is doomed to death shall be set free ? Whose belongings am I to give thee ? Or from whom shall they be taken away by me ? Which poor man is now to be made rich ? And which wealthy man is to be left with nothing? I am the king of kings on earth and the shield of the four castes. Do but say at once what thou needest.”