Mains Daily Question
March 5, 2024
Q2. Throw light upon the politico-social-economic status of women with the help of ancient literature. (10M, 150W)
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Approach to the answer: Understanding and structuring the answer: The answer should cover the general condition of women during that period and may include examples of women who had achieved exceptional status in the political or economic spheres mentioned in the ancient literature. Introduction: Type 1: Give a brief journey of about women from the beginning of ancient time till the end. Type 2: Highlight the importance of understanding women’s status in ancient times and its usefulness in the present. Body: The answer should focus on the status of women rather than men and to use literature as a primary source to support your answer. Conclusion: Type 1: Summarizes the contribution of women during ancient period and the inspiration they give to present generation women. Type 2: Summarizes by showing that though the position of women improved but the conditions are still similar in contemporary times. |
Answer:
The status of women in ancient India varied depending on the time, region, and social class. They witnessed a journey from the position of deities to subservient and sati in ancient period.
Status of women reflected through ancient literature:
- Rig Veda: During Rig Vedic period women were allowed to become members of the Sabha and Vidhata. They enjoyed a respectable position in society. There is no mention of child marriage in Rig Veda which indicates that women were allowed self-actualization.
- Dharmashastra: In later Vedic phase, status of women deteriorated due to their dependency on their male counterparts, because of agriculture and shifting of central resource from cattle to territory/land.
- The Mahabharata and Ramayana: The Hindu epics that depicts the societal norms and customs. While women played important roles in the epics, such as Draupadi and Kunti, Sita and Kaikeyi their status was generally subservient to men and are denied equal opportunities compared to men. The epic also discusses the concept of sati.
- Angutara Nikaya: It mention about women emancipation as womanhood began to be appreciated. Women enjoyed equality of status because of Buddhism.
- The Manusmriti: The Manusmriti is a legal text that outlines the duties and responsibilities of women in society. However, it also imposes strict restrictions on women, denying them equal rights and opportunities compared to men. ● The Puranas: The status of women got deteriorated during this period because they were dependent on their male counterparts for livelihood. It was observed that women stayed in the temple premises and acted as dancers and worshipped God. They were named Devadasis.
- The Sangam literature: It reveals that women held positions of power and authority in society. There were female rulers and administrators who were respected and admired for their leadership skills. Women were also involved in agriculture and were the guardians of the environment.
The politico-social-economic status of women in ancient India was largely determined by their caste, family background. Overall, the status of women in ancient India was complex and varied, with some periods offering more opportunities and freedoms than others.
