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A Brahmavadini (Samskrit : ब्रह्मवादिनी) is a highly intelligent and greatly learned woman, who chose the path of Vedic studies.  Brahmavadini literally means ‘the woman who speaks about Brahman (ब्रह्मन् । Parabrahma). The ancient philosophical concept of shakti'','' the feminine principle of energy, extols the immense mental and physical capabilities of women.

A Brahmavadini (Samskrit : ब्रह्मवादिनी) is a highly intelligent and greatly learned woman, who chose the path of Vedic studies.  Brahmavadini literally means ‘the woman who speaks about Brahman (ब्रह्मन् । Parabrahma). The ancient philosophical concept of shakti'','' the feminine principle of energy, extols the immense mental and physical capabilities of women.

While many civilizations have seen unsatisfactory history as regards the position of women, we find that Vedas mention the scholarship of educated women like Vaak Ambhrni, Romasa, Gargi, Ghosha, Maitreyi and Lopamudra. During the Vedic times, women were assigned a high place in society. They shared an equal standing with their men folk and enjoyed a great liberty that actually had societal sanctions. Women were examples for maintaining the basic principles of Santhana Dharma.  

While many civilizations have seen unsatisfactory history as regards the position of women, we find that Vedas mention the scholarship of educated women like Vaak Ambhrni, Romasa, Gargi, Ghosha, Maitreyi and Lopamudra. During the Vedic times, women were assigned a high place in society. They shared an equal standing with their men folk and enjoyed a great liberty that actually had societal sanctions. Indian women were exemplary in maintaining the basic principles of Santhana Dharma.  

== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

Evidence of intellectual excellence of Bharatiya nari (women) is proved by the lofty philosophical ideas and discussions given by female mantra-drashtas of Rigvedic suktas. Gosha, Romasa, Vishvavara, and Gargi are the names of some of the highly educated rshikas mentioned in the Vedas. After completing their education under a Guru they could perform religious rites, participate in philosophical debates, and engage in tapas etc.   

Evidence of intellectual excellence of Bharatiya nari (women) is proved by the lofty philosophical ideas and discussions given by female mantra-drashtas of Rigvedic suktas. Gosha, Romasa, Vishvavara, and Gargi are the names of some of the highly educated rshikas mentioned in the Vedas. After completing their education under a Guru they could perform religious rites, participate in philosophical debates, and engage in tapas etc.   

The society which aimed more at the spiritual attainment of life and gave its women important functions both at home and in the yajnas also endeavoured to equip them to sharpen their mental skills. A maiden seeking a husband for herself with the aid of her elders would find the taks easier if her intellectual attainments were added to her physical charm.   

The society which aimed more at the spiritual attainment of life and gave its women important functions both at home and in the yajnas also endeavored to equip them to sharpen their mental skills. A maiden seeking a husband for herself with the aid of her elders would find the task easier if her intellectual attainments were added to her physical charm.   

Additionally, ladies were also competent to arrange their own marriages, Svayamvara (choosing a husband) was allowed. In Rigvedic times no girl was married before she had reached the womanhood. She must be fully developed physically in her father’s house (Pitrpadam Vyaktaa) before her marriage could be thought of. Suryaa, the daughter of Surya, was given away in marriage only after she became youthful and yearned for a husband.<ref name=":5">Pandey, Raj Bali. (1949) ''Hindu Samskaras, A Socio-religious study of the Hindu Sacraments.'' Banaras: Vikrama Publications. (Pages 316-317)</ref> <blockquote>अन्यामिच्छ पितृषदं व्यक्तां स ते भागो जनुषा तस्य विद्धि ॥२१॥ (Rig. Veda. 10.85.21) anyāmiccha pitr̥ṣadaṁ vyaktāṁ sa te bhāgo januṣā tasya viddhi ॥21॥</blockquote>The spells and charms mentioned in the Rigveda and Atharvaveda indicate that the bride and groom were both grown-up before marriage. There were no child marriages in the Vedic period.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":5" />

Additionally, ladies were also competent to arrange their own marriages, Svayamvara (choosing a husband) was allowed. In Rigvedic times no girl was married before she had reached the womanhood. She must be fully developed physically in her father’s house (Pitrpadam Vyaktaa) before her marriage could be thought of. Suryaa, the daughter of Surya, was given away in marriage only after she became youthful and yearned for a husband.<ref name=":5">Pandey, Raj Bali. (1949) ''Hindu Samskaras, A Socio-religious study of the Hindu Sacraments.'' Banaras: Vikrama Publications. (Pages 316-317)</ref> <blockquote>अन्यामिच्छ पितृषदं व्यक्तां स ते भागो जनुषा तस्य विद्धि ॥२१॥ (Rig. Veda. 10.85.21) anyāmiccha pitr̥ṣadaṁ vyaktāṁ sa te bhāgo januṣā tasya viddhi ॥21॥</blockquote>The spells and charms mentioned in the Rigveda and Atharvaveda indicate that the bride and groom were both grown-up before marriage. There were no child marriages in the Vedic period.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":5" />

== Discussion ==

== Discussion ==

We see from the above references that many misconceptions regarding education of women in Vedic times are unfounded. Such false information about the Vedic practices caused the. Salient aspects about Education of Women in Ancient India include

# Education of girl child in higher studies was encouraged by parents.  

 

 

The previous sections describe the educational progress of Bharatiya nari even while women in other parts of the world have been going through dark ages of suppression. It may be noted that the references here dispel many misconceptions regarding education of women in Vedic times which are based on prejudice and are thus unfounded. Such false information about the Vedic practices caused much harm misguiding the newer generations about the concepts of Sanatana Dharma. Salient aspects about Education of Women in Ancient India include

# Education of girl child in higher studies was encouraged by parents.

# Upanayana samskara of girl child was performed for initiation into vedic education on par with a male child.

# Upanayana samskara of girl child was performed for initiation into vedic education on par with a male child.

# Girl child was educated in a protected environment with special provisions in the rules of [[Brahmacharyashrama (ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमः)|Brahmacharyaashrama]]

# Girl child was educated in a protected environment with special provisions in the rules of [[Brahmacharyashrama (ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमः)|Brahmacharyaashrama]]

# Girls had a choice of subject in their education

# Girls had a choice of subject in their education

# Coeducation existed with ease.

# Coeducation existed with ease

# Women could choose between education and marriage

# Women could choose between education and marriage

# Costs of education were supported by parents

# Costs of education were supported by parents