Status of women in vedic period
Abstract
During vedic period women were enjoying fair and equal opportunities as the men. Women have the essence of freedom and use their power and status in society.
introduction
Vedic period was that time when vedic was the centre of every action, reaction and activities. People follow the rule and regulation of vedas. They read them and work according to them. There are four vedas
- Rig veda : earliest veda
- Yajur veda : veda for prayer
- Sama veda : veda for singing
- Atharva veda: veda for medicine.
. Everyone had the right to live with dignity irrespective of their caste and gender. The vedic period was the period when women had the rights to do anything according to their needs and interests. In this article we are going to highlight some sectors to discuss the status of women during the vedic period.
The sectors are
- Education
- Marital rights
- Social status
- Economics rights
- Political status
Education
During the vedic period women had the right of education. In vedic period education is considered a source which helps an individual to attain self-knowledge, self reliant and self confidence. For a better society it was really important that every individual should be educated and attain spirituality. Women were also given a chance to get education. In vedic period there was no existence of child marriage. And education was the must for the women too. Samaveda, atharva veda, house management,cooking, running horses and using swords- that all were the subjects in teaching. Women can continue their studies without getting married. Gargi, vak apala Ghosa, Kakhivati Surya Savitri, Indrani, Shradha Kamayani, Yami Shachi, Poulomi, Urvashi etc. many more were the female educators.
Marital right
During vedic period child marriage does not exist. Women were getting married when they were physically mentally and emotionally ready. Women had the right to choose their husband. They can have inter caste marriages too. Women can marry anyone with her choices. Partichary was still there but women have their own status. If a woman did not want to marry and spend her life alone it would be ok with society. There Were no sati pratha during the vedic period. Widow remarriage was acceptable.
Social status
In vedic period women had freedom to express their views. Women can speak in public and give suggestions and opinions in society. Women can participate in any social function and competitions. Women enjoy a high status in society during the vedic period. Women also advise men on social matters.
Economic rights
There was no gender inequality between men and women during the vedic period. Unmarried daughter had equal shares in properties as the son. Married women have financial support from her husband. But the rights were limited.
Political status.
Women had the right to participate in sabha and can pass the order in absence of higher authorities. Women could rule the throne if there were no sons. Women had the right to make decisions on political issues. They have the right to express their thoughts in the sabha and can put the question to the higher authorities. Women have a prestigious and fair position in politics during the vedic period. Manu the father of political theory considers the women as reliable and subordinates.
Conclusion
During the vedic period women have the right to education, martial rights and have a prestigious position in society. There was no oppression against the women. They had equal rights. In vedic period a man was considered half without his wife. The women were ardhangi and gerhswamni, which means half body part and the owner of the house. Women have limited economic rights. Marriage was a choice for women in vedic period.
Vedic period was a golden and feminine era for women.
References
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