Women's Role In Hinduism Essay
Jennie Halula
The Role of Women in Hinduism in India:
In earlier times women who live in India (and Hindu women) were treated as more of a property to their father, brother, or husband. These women were never given choices as to what they wanted in life. The basic principles governing the roles of Hindu women in history were set forth by in the Laws of Manu. This ancient code specified that women must be honored and adorned by their fathers, brothers, husbands and brothers in law who desired their own welfare. In the early stage of a girl’s life the parents watch over their daughter, protecting her virginity. Once she marries, she becomes impure but auspicious. The impurity is caused by sexual intercourse and menstruation. In the classical …show more content…
On occasion, the marriage would be arranged with a boy who would be close in age, but it is not uncommon for a girl to get matched up with a boy who is much older than she is. Typically, a girl’s parents will have great concern with who she marries because they have great concern for her virginity. As a wife, the Hindu woman was expected to live up to the ideals of the Stri Dharma, the duties of a good wife. Basically, according to this she should refer to her husband as a God. She should serve him, follow him, pray for his wellbeing and eat after he eats. In the early Vedic times, women were relatively free and honored members of Indian society, participating equally in important spiritual rituals. But because of social changes, by the nineteenth century wives had become like servants of the husband's family. Today there are many places all through India that offer special public buses for women only. Women are allowed to avoid waiting in lines by going to the head of long queues to purchase such things as train tickets. It is also important to note that a women’s status is even further enhanced if she gives birth to a son. Unfortunately, Hindu women in India have several hurdles to go through every day.
The Role of Women in Hinduism in India:
In earlier times women who live in India (and Hindu women) were treated as more of a property to their father, brother, or husband. These women were never given choices as to what they wanted in life. The basic principles governing the roles of Hindu women in history were set forth by in the Laws of Manu. This ancient code specified that women must be honored and adorned by their fathers, brothers, husbands and brothers in law who desired their own welfare. In the early stage of a girl’s life the parents watch over their daughter, protecting her virginity. Once she marries, she becomes impure but auspicious. The impurity is caused by sexual intercourse and menstruation. In the classical …show more content…
On occasion, the marriage would be arranged with a boy who would be close in age, but it is not uncommon for a girl to get matched up with a boy who is much older than she is. Typically, a girl’s parents will have great concern with who she marries because they have great concern for her virginity. As a wife, the Hindu woman was expected to live up to the ideals of the Stri Dharma, the duties of a good wife. Basically, according to this she should refer to her husband as a God. She should serve him, follow him, pray for his wellbeing and eat after he eats. In the early Vedic times, women were relatively free and honored members of Indian society, participating equally in important spiritual rituals. But because of social changes, by the nineteenth century wives had become like servants of the husband's family. Today there are many places all through India that offer special public buses for women only. Women are allowed to avoid waiting in lines by going to the head of long queues to purchase such things as train tickets. It is also important to note that a women’s status is even further enhanced if she gives birth to a son. Unfortunately, Hindu women in India have several hurdles to go through every day.