The Position of Women in Hindu Civilization

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In Hinduism the role of women is often disputed and positions range from equal status with men to restrictive. According to various scholars in ancient India, the women acquired equal status with men in all spheres of life. While some hold contras- ting views. For Patanjali and Katya-yana women were educated doing early vedic period. The status of women began to decline with the smritis (est. Manusmriti) and with the Islamic invasion of Babur and the Mughal empire and later christianity curtailing women's freedom and rights.

The Indian women's position in the society further declined during Medieval period. The book scatters light on changing positions of women in Indian society through- out the various ages.

Dr. Krishna Kumari, B.A. (Hons.) History, M.A. (History) from Magadh University and Ph.D. is at present Assistt. Professor under Delhi University's Collegiate, is a reputed name and possesses command over the subject. She has written several articles and attended a number of seminars.

India is one of the Ancient Civilization of the world. The underlying efficiency of the Ancient Indus Valley Civilization is remarkable. The Ancient Indus Valley Civilization was quite clearly advanced, to a great extent. The Vedic Civilization is the culture associated with the people who composed the religious texts called the Vedas, in the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism is the religion of the majority of the population of India. The holy books of the religion namely, the Vedas and the Upanishads clearly explain the rituals and their mystical contents. They also explain in detail the observance of sacrificial and purification rituals. Hinduism is another name for what is known as Sanatana Dharma. The objective of this book is to offer directly the analysis of Indian Civilization, the great Indian traditions and the unique Indian customs.

Women in Early Indian Societies is an anthology of excerpts from the works of authors who have shaped our understanding of gender relations in early India. Also included are papers which provide fresh insights or explore alternative paradigms and possibilities.

The Indian women's position in the society further deteriorated during the medieval period when Sati, child marriages and a ban on widow remarriages became part of social life in India. Among the Rajputs of Rajasthan, the Jauhar was practised. In some part of India, the Devadasis or the temple women were sexually exploited. Polygamy was widely practised especially among Hindu Kshatriya rulers.