Women In Ancient India

Life for women in Ancient India had several different aspects that were both positive and negative. Marriage was a negative area of life where women were perceived as minor; in most cases, women were not able to receive property. They would also get married at young ages because women were viewed as a liability to their family (Duiker and Spielvogel). The role of women in society was also quite minor compared to men who often had more responsibilities, such as working in fields. Positive aspects for women in Ancient India could be seen in both writings and sculptures or figurines. Though it seems that women were inferior to men, the Law of Manu expresses that the relationship between men and women should be one of respect. It was written that, to achieve dominance over men, women would use their
sexuality.
Another element that showed the status of women were figurines. This was an aspect that depicted women in equal roles to men because of the importance they played in home life (Duiker and Spielvogel). Elements of what life was like for women in Ancient India can also be compared to women in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, especially in marriage. As written in Hammurabi’s code, women’s rights were reduced and not equal to men’s rights. Another comparable aspect can be seen in women’s role in society. For women in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, their duties were often related to taking care of the home; this same attribute can also be seen in roles of women in Ancient India. Men often had duties outside of home life and women were expected to care for the household (Duiker and Spielvogel). Finally, a positive aspect that can be compared across cultures is one of respect. Though women had fewer rights and opportunities, both the cultures of Ancient Egypt and Ancient India had the notion of treating
women respectfully.