Question

Write three causes of lower status of women in ancient time.

Hint:

A strong answer on this topic differentiates between the Early Vedic and Later Vedic periods and cites the influence of patriarchal structures and religious texts like the Dharmashastras.

Answer 1

While the status of women was relatively high in the Early Vedic period, it declined significantly in the Later Vedic and post-Vedic periods. Three major causes for this lower status were:

Dominance of Patriarchy: The social structure became increasingly patriarchal. Patrilineal systems of descent and inheritance became rigid, where lineage and property were passed down through the male line. This marginalized women's role and authority within the family and society.

Denial of Access to Education and Religious Rites: In the Later Vedic period, women were gradually excluded from receiving formal Vedic education and from participating in important public sacrifices and rituals, which were previously open to them. This diminished their social and religious standing.

Restrictive Social Norms and Laws: The Dharmashastras (law books) like the Manusmriti prescribed a subordinate and dependent role for women, stating they must be protected by their father in childhood, husband in youth, and son in old age. The introduction of practices like pre-puberty marriage and the condemnation of widow remarriage further lowered their status.