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== परिचय || Introduction ==
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Rights of Women (Samskrit: स्त्रीत्वाधिकारः) discusses respect to womanhood, the responsibility of protection of women and the various provisions designed for the welfare of women in the Bharatiya Parampara.
Respect for women was another most cherished value of life from times immemorial in Bharat. Women were not considered as an object of physical pleasure by man, but were regarded as divine treasures for family life. In view of the role assigned by nature to mothers, and in view of the fact that the mother is the dearest person on earth to an individual and in view of the intense love and affection of a mother for her children, and her readiness to make tremendous sacrifices for the sake of her children the mother came to be regarded as God incarnate (Mata Pratyaksha Devatha). Further, as every woman is a potential mother, the cultural value evolved was to treat mother as God and to treat every woman except one's wife, as mother. As a result, every woman and even small girls, are addressed as Ma, Amma etc., which means mother.
 
This value appears to have been created and cultivated assiduously as an antidote to the sexual propensity of man, for, once the value that every woman is mother is ingrained in the heart of an individual, sinful thoughts of committing any offence against woman gets destroyed. There can be no doubt that inculcating such a value in the hearts of individuals is the greatest protection against the immoral sexual desires of man.
 
The creation and maintaining of this value is really the most valuable contribution of our ancestors. In fact the main cause for the greatest wars fought on this land namely the Rama-Ravana war and rhe Pandava -Kaurava war was the onslaught on a woman,
 
Sita and Draupadi respectively. Despite declining moral values in recent years, by and large, the said value is still acting as the greatest safeguard against atrocities on women.
 
There is a glowing instance in the life of Shivaji Maharaj.
 
He won Kalyana province and acquired a lot of wealth. Abajipanth, who was the commander of the army who won the war told Shivaji that a beautiful girl had also been captured and he was presenting her to Maharaj. She was a member of the family of the Mughal Subhedar of Kalyan who was defeated in the war. Shivaji said, <blockquote>''"Y<nowiki/>ou say she is so beautiful, she is equal to my mother. So, I love and respect her. Moreover affording protection to women is Raja Dharma."''</blockquote>Having said so he got her decorated with jewels and rich dress, and she was restored to the defeated Subhedhar who was overwhelmed and realized the importance given to the value of respect for womanhood in this land.
 
  
Manusmriti mandates in the following verse that highest respect and regard must be extended to women.<blockquote>"यत्र नार्यस्तु पूज्यन्ते रमन्ते तत्र देवता: ||</blockquote><blockquote>यत्रैतास्तु न पूज्यन्ते सर्वास्तत्राफला: क्रिया: ||</blockquote><blockquote>शोचंति जामयो यत्र विनश्यत्याशु तत्कुलम् |</blockquote><blockquote>न शोचंति तु यत्रैता वर्धते तद्धि सर्वदा ||</blockquote><blockquote>जामयो याति मोहानि संपत्य प्रतिपूजिता: |</blockquote><blockquote>ताति कृत्याहतानीव विनश्यंन्ति समन्वत: || " (Manu 3(56)-(57)-(58) )</blockquote>Meaning : Gods are pleased, with the house in which women are respected, in that house in which women are insulted and are made to suffer, every thing done is sure to go waste. If in a house daughter,1he daughter-in-law, and the sisters 'and other women suffer, that house is sure to be destroyed. The house in which such women live happily, secures wealth and happiness. The family in which the wife, the daughter, the sister and the daughter-in- law, etc, are not respected and in which they suffer from insult, is sure to be destroyed.
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== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==
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The Bharatiya Parampara enumerates various [[Values Based On Dharma (धर्माधिष्ठितगुणाः)|virtues]] as fundamentals or characteristics of [[Dharma (धर्मः)|dharma]] that should to be practiced by all. Among them, 'respect for women' is one of the most cherished values of life. Women were considered as divine treasures for family life. For, they are entrusted with the responsibility of motherhood by nature. An understanding of the intense love and affection of a mother for her children, and her readiness to make tremendous sacrifices for the sake of her children led to the evolution of a cultural value of regarding mother as a devata (divinity). Furthermore, as every woman is a potential mother, even small girls came to be addressed with respect as Ma, Amma etc., that mean mother. Once the value that 'every woman is motherly' is ingrained in the heart of an individual, immoral thoughts of committing any offence against woman gets destroyed. In fact, despite the declining moral values in recent years, this value, cultivated and inculcated diligently in the hearts of individuals, is acting by and large, as the greatest protection for women against the immoralities prevalent in the society. Thus, creating and maintaining this value has been one of the most valuable contribution of the ancestors of [[Bharatavarsha (भरतवर्षम्)|Bharata]].<ref name=":2">Justice Mandagadde Rama Jois (1997), [https://www.vhp-america.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DHARMA_Ram_Jois.pdf Dharma: The Global Ethic], Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.</ref><ref name=":3">M.Rama Jois (2004), Trivarga, Mumbai: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.</ref>
  
Hence, men who seek (their own) welfare should always honour women on holidays and festivals with gifts, good attire and dainty food,<blockquote>"स्त्रियां तु रोचमानायां सर्वं तद्रोचते कुलम् |</blockquote><blockquote>तस्यां त्वरोचमानायां सर्वमेव रोचते |</blockquote><blockquote>सुवासिनी: कुमारंश्च रोगिणो गर्भिणी: स्त्रिय: |</blockquote><blockquote>अतिथिभ्योग्र एवैतान् भोजयेदविचारयन् || " (Manu-III-62-114)</blockquote>Meaning : The house in which women folk are decorated with dress and jewellery, shines, otherwise, the house is sure to suffer. Recently married daughters, as well as daughter-in-law, young girls as also pregnant women should be served with meals even before the guests.
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== स्त्रीत्वमानः ॥ Respect for Womanhood ==
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[[Manusmrti (मनुस्मृतिः)|Manusmrti]], in the following verse, mandates that highest respect and regard must be extended to women. It says, <blockquote>यत्र नार्यस्तु पूज्यन्ते रमन्ते तत्र देवताः । यत्रैतास्तु पूज्यन्ते सर्वास्तत्राफलाः क्रियाः । । ३.५६ । ।<ref name=":0">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 3].</ref>
  
The above verses impress that any person who wants happiness at home and who desires that his family should prosper, and should secure enjoyment of life, must respect women always, There can be no doubt that the house in which husband and wife have mutual love and affection always secures happiness and good results and is really equal to heaven; the house in which women are insulted and harassed, becomes a hell.
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''yatra nāryastu pūjyante ramante tatra devatāḥ । yatraitāstu na pūjyante sarvāstatrāphalāḥ kriyāḥ । । 3.56 । ।''</blockquote>Meaning : Deities are pleased with the house in which women are respected. In that house in which women are insulted and are made to suffer, every thing done is sure to go waste.  
  
The above verses also indicate the utmost consideration given to women in Manusmriti. The normal duty of Grihastashrama{the state of the house holder) is to feed guests first and only thereafter the owner of the house, his wife and other members of the family have to have food. The above provision shows that a young daughter who had been recently married and a young daughter-in-law as also young girls and pregnant women were given such an importance and priority in that they were to be provided with meals even earlier than the guests. This indicates the highest concern shown to women in view of their great importance to the happiness of the family.
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The importance given to this value of 'respect for womanhood' was ably exemplified by Shivaji Maharaj in his lifetime. It is said that having won the Kalyan province, Shivaji Maharaj acquired a lot of wealth. At that time, Abajipanth, who was the commander of the army that won the war, told him that a beautiful girl who was a member of the family of the Mughal Subhedar of Kalyan defeated in the war, had also been captured. And as he offered to present her to Maharaj, he said,<blockquote>''"You say she is so beautiful, she is equal to my mother. So, I love and respect her. Moreover, affording protection to women is [[Raja Dharma (राजधर्मः)|Raja Dharma]]."''</blockquote>Having said so he got her decorated with jewels and rich dress, and she was restored to the defeated Subhedhar who was overwhelmed and realized the importance given to the value of 'respect for womanhood' in Bharata.
  
== Western Distortion of Dharma and its status of women in Vedic Bharat ==
 
However, there is a verse on the basis of which Manu Smriti is criticized and condemned as being against women. It reads:<blockquote>"पिता रक्षति कौमारे भर्ता रक्षति यौवने |</blockquote><blockquote>रक्षन्ति स्थविरे पुत्रा न स्त्री स्वातन्त्र्यमर्हति || " (Manu -IX-3)</blockquote>Meaning : The father protects the girl in her childhood, the husband protects her after marriage and her sons protect her in old age. At no stage should a woman be left free.
 
  
On the basis of the last part of the above verse, without reference to the earlier parts and other verses in Manu Smriti, referred to earlier, the criticism levelled against Manu Smriti is that it wanted women to live like slaves of man through out their life.
 
  
Nothing can be farther from the truth. It is a matter of common knowledge that in most of the families, except those of people who are uncultured and who fall into bad habits, particularly those who have become alcohol addicts, the women are not only respected most, their advice in every matter concerning the family prevails and even now it is so. They shape the fortunes of the family. Therefore, the true meaning and purpose of the above verse is that a woman requires and is entitled to protection in every stage of life. Correspondingly it is the duty of the father, .the husband and the sons to look after the daughter, the wife and the mother respectively. It is the duty of the father to look after his daughter with all care, educate her having due regard to her aptitude including in arts and crafts and music and celebrate her marriage. Thereafter the fundamental duty and responsibility to maintain and protect her stand shifted to her husband, and thereafter when her sons become aged, that duty gets shifted to the sons. In fact protection and care is essential to male children as well as aged fathers. However, special provision is made for women. Therefore, the real intention of the verse is to declare the obligation of the father, husband and sons to maintain and protect the daughter, the wife and the mother respectively. It is not a directive to subjugate or dominate them. Therefore to interpret the verse to the effect that a woman must be treated as a slave by her father during her childhood, and by her husband after her marriage and by her sons in old age, and that she should be deprived of freedom throughout her life is wholly erroneous and perverse.
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Furthermore, it is said that,<blockquote>शोचन्ति जामयो यत्र विनश्यत्याशु तत्कुलम् । न शोचन्ति तु यत्रैता वर्धते तद्धि सर्वदा । । ३.५७ । ।
=== Refuting the baseless allegations ===
 
A few illustrations will make the above aspect clear :
 
  
By nature womanhood is tender and requires protection. For instance, one can afford to send a boy to the house of a teacher or another person for education and ask him to stay with him for ten or twelve years, i.e., until he completes his education. Ordinarily this cannot be done in the case of a girl. Doing so would be a dereliction of duty. She requires special care, protection and arrangement for her education.
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जामयो यानि गेहानि शपन्त्यप्रतिपूजिताः । तानि कृत्याहतानीव विनश्यन्ति समन्ततः । । ३.५८ । ।<ref name=":0" />
If the parents desire to send their son to a far off place for higher studies, it would be sufficient for them to give an introductory letter to a person known to them or to get a letter from a friend of theirs to a person known to him and ask the boy to go and get in touch with the said person and secure the necessary help from him and to continue his higher education at such a distinct place. But, can this be done in the case of a daughter? Certainly not. Even with the advancement of civilization, most of the parents will be unwilling to send their daughters alone to a distant place for higher education with an introductory letter to anyone and asking her to contact some one and make her own arrangements. In the nature of things, it is impossible, and improper as also dereliction of duty. Therefore, whenever, a girl is to be sent for higher education to a distant place, the parents also accompany her and only after making proper arrangements for her stay and ensuring full protection to her, they come back. This is the essential difference between man and woman.
 
  
Another illustration would be of great assistance. In a number of cases, in which poor boys go to distant places for study, in the absence of electric lights in the rooms in which they secure accommodation they go to public parks or to public buildings during night time and continue their studies late into the night at such places or till the small hours of the morning, and come back to their place of residence. Is it possible for a girl to do so? The answer obviously is in the negative.
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''śocanti jāmayo yatra vinaśyatyāśu tatkulam । na śocanti tu yatraitā vardhate taddhi sarvadā । । 3.57 । ।''
The above illustrations are not exhaustive. There are many situations in which the women/girls require greater care, protection and security.
 
It is such a difference flowing from the nature of women, who are vulnerable to various kinds of onslaughts when left unprotected which is the basis for the above verse of Manu Smriti, It does not mean that woman must be kept without freedom. Such an
 
interpretation runs counter to the verse, which says that the house in which women are insulted and shed tears gets destroyed. The above true meaning of the verse becomes more clear when it is read with another provision in Manu in which the highest respect is required to be given to women.<blockquote>"उपाध्यायान्दशाचार्य आचार्याणं शतं पिता |</blockquote><blockquote>सहस्त्रं तु पितृन्माता गौरवेणातिरिच्यते || " (Manu II-145)</blockquote>Meaning : The acharya is more venerable than a Upadhyaya (teacher). father is more venerable than an acharya. But the mother is more venerable than the father.
 
  
A combined reading of the verses quoted above indicate that women were placed at a higher position. The above verse in Manu indicates that while the teacher is to be placed at a higher level, the father is to be respected more than the teacher and no place, no status which is higher than that of the mother is given to any one. These verses should be read with the earlier verse. ''So the real meaning is, the women should be honoured and protected.'' It is a humane and a duty-oriented provision, the mandate to provide security. This should not be misunderstood as making her life insecure. She should not be left open to attack by men with evil propensities, it does not mean her freedom should be jeopardised. Any meaning given to the verse to the effect that women should be denied freedom at every stage is perverse as it would be totally inconsistent with the other verses. For, if women are denied freedom and they are kept under subjugation they are bound to be in grief and tears, and as a consequence the happiness of the family disappears. Hence, a meaning consistent with the above verses alone is appropriate.
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''jāmayo yāni gehāni śapantyapratipūjitāḥ । tāni kr̥tyāhatānīva vinaśyanti samantataḥ । । 3.58 । ।''</blockquote>Meaning: If, in a house, the daughter, daughter-in-law, sisters and other women suffer, then that house is sure to be destroyed. The house in which such women live happily is the one that secures wealth and happiness. The family in which the wife, daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, etc. are not respected and in which they suffer from insult, is sure to be destroyed.
  
An analysis of many other provisions concerning women in the Smritis indicate that except that, on account of the social system under which a daughter, after marriage, was to become a member of her husband's family, no share in the ancestral property of the father was provided for her by birth, in every other respect special provisions had been made in favour of women. They are:
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Hence, it is said that, men who seek (their own) welfare should always honour women with gifts, good attire and dainty food.<blockquote>स्त्रियां तु रोचमानायां सर्वं तद्रोचते कुलम् । तस्यां त्वरोचमानायां सर्वमेव न रोचते । । ३.६२ । ।<ref name=":0" />
  
== Rights of women members of joint family ==
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''striyāṁ tu rocamānāyāṁ sarvaṁ tadrocate kulam । tasyāṁ tvarocamānāyāṁ sarvameva na rocate । । 3.62 । ।''</blockquote>Meaning : The house in which women folk are decorated with dress and jewellery shines. Otherwise, the house is sure to suffer.
  
Though women were not admitted to the membership of coparcenary, they were members of the joint family and the law gave them the right to a share equal to one fourth of the share of the brothers at partition though they were not given the right to compel partition.
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In fact, the Manusmrti goes ahead to say, <blockquote>सुवासिनीः कुमारीश्च रोगिणो गर्भिणीः स्त्रियः । अतिथिभ्योऽग्र एवैतान् भोजयेदविचारयन् । । ३.११४ । ।<ref name=":0" />
  
=== Misuse or dependence of the property of women prohibited ===
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''suvāsinīḥ kumārīśca rogiṇo garbhiṇīḥ striyaḥ । atithibhyo'gra evaitān bhojayedavicārayan । । 3.114 । ।''</blockquote>Meaning: Recently married daughters, as well as daughters-in-law, young girls as also pregnant women should be served with meals even before the [[Atithi Satkara (अतिथिसत्कारः)|guests]].
<blockquote>"न कन्याया: पिता विद्वान्गृहणीयाच्छुल्कमण्वपि |</blockquote><blockquote>गृह्यञछुल्कं हि लोभेन स्यान्नरोऽपत्यविक्रयी ||</blockquote><blockquote>स्त्रीधनानि तु ये मोहादुपजीवन्ति बान्धवा: |</blockquote><blockquote>नारीयानानि वस्त्रं वा ते पापा यान्त्यधोगतिम् || " (Manu III-51-52)</blockquote>Meaning : No father who knows (the law) must take even the smallest gratuity for his daughter; for a man who, through avarice, takes a gratuity, is a seller of his offspring. But those (male) relations, who in their folly live on the separate property of women, (Ex: appropriate) the beasts of burden, carriages, and cloths of women, commit sin and suffer a downfall.
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This indicates the utmost consideration given to women in Manusmrti. For, the normal duty of Grhasthashrami (Householder) is to feed guests first and only thereafter, the owner of the house, his wife and other members of the family have food. However, the above provision shows that a young daughter or daughter-in-law who has been recently married, as also young girls and pregnant women were given such an importance and priority that they were to be provided with meals even before the guests. This indicates the highest concern shown to women and the acknowledgement of their great importance to the happiness of the family. On the whole, the above verses impress that any person who wants happiness at home and who desires that his family should prosper and secure enjoyment of life, must respect women always.<ref name=":2" />
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== स्त्रीरक्षणम् ॥ Protection of Women ==
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Manusmrti says, <blockquote>पिता रक्षति कौमारे भर्ता रक्षति यौवने । रक्षन्ति स्थविरे पुत्रा न स्त्री स्वातन्त्र्यं अर्हति । । ९.३ । ।<ref name=":1">Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 9].</ref>
  
In view of the greater chances of exploitation of childhood and youth resulting in moral and material abandonment indulged in by those who care only for earning money through unhealthy and obscene magazines and books and audio visual equipments, now it is becoming clear only women can save childhood and youth from such exploitation. It is this aspect which is the basis of the verses in Manu.
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''pitā rakṣati kaumāre bhartā rakṣati yauvane । rakṣanti sthavire putrā na strī svātantryaṁ arhati । । 9.3 । ।''</blockquote>Meaning: Father protects the girl in her childhood, husband protects her after [[Vivaha (विवाहः)|marriage]] and her sons protect her in old age. At no stage should a woman be left free.
  
Even now when civilization has advanced greatly and women 's performance in every field of activity is excellent, - in many cases they have surpassed men, their responsibility to be mothers and to look after the interests of children and to make them good citizens has not decreased but has increased. Still on account of the evil propensities of man towards women, they require protection against onslaught. We are seeing that atrocities on women are increasing day by day. Obscenity is spreading like wild fire through business advertisements and in various other ways. Women 's organisation are craving for protection.
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The last part of the above verse has become the basis for the criticism levelled against Manusmrti that it necessitates women to live like slaves of men throughout their life. However, by nature womanhood is tender. There are many situations in which women/girls require greater care, protection and security.<ref name=":3" /> They are vulnerable to various kinds of onslaughts when left unprotected. Even now, when civilization has advanced greatly and women's performance in every field of activity is excellent, they require protection against onslaught. And that is the basis for the above verse of Manusmrti. It does not mean that woman must be kept without freedom. Such an interpretation runs counter to the verse, which says that the house in which women are insulted and shed tears gets destroyed.  
  
=== Right of Wives ===
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In fact, in the earlier section of the article, the respect and regard extended to women in Manusmrti, that precede the above mentioned verse in the text of Manusmrti, has already been referenced. Therefore, it is imperative to revisit the meaning and purpose of the above verse which rather seems to be 'a woman requires and is entitled to protection in every stage of life'. Correspondingly, it is the duty of the father, the husband and the sons to look after the daughter, the wife and the mother respectively.  
<blockquote>"यदि कुर्यात्समानंशान्पत्न्य: कार्या: समांशिका: |</blockquote><blockquote>न दत्तं स्त्रीधनं यासां भर्त्रा वा श्वशुरेण वा || " (Yaj. III-15)</blockquote>Meaning : Wives are entitled to a share equal to that of sons at a partition. But the share is liable to be reduced by the amount of stridhana given by the husband or the father-in-law, if any, in their possession.
 
  
This rule recognized the right to share in favour of a wife and if there was more than one wife, all the wives were entitled to equal shares. The amount of Stridhana to be taken into account for the purpose of reducing the share was only that which was given by the husband or the father-in-law.
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It is the duty of the father to look after his daughter with all care, educate her by giving due regard to her aptitude in [[64 Kalas (चतुःषष्टिः कलाः)|arts]], crafts and [[Bharatiya Sangita Shastra (भारतीयसङ्गीतशास्त्रम्)|music]] and celebrate her marriage. Thereafter, the fundamental duty and responsibility to maintain and protect her stands shifted to her husband. And when her sons come of age that duty gets shifted to them. In fact, protection and care is essential to male children and aged fathers as well. Just, a special provision is made for women. Therefore, the real intention of the verse is to declare the obligation of the father, the husband and the sons to maintain and protect their daughter, their wife and their mother respectively. It is not a directive to subjugate or dominate them. Therefore, to interpret the verse to the effect that a woman must be treated as a slave by her father during her childhood, by her husband after her marriage and by her sons in old age, that she should be deprived of freedom throughout her life and thereby, criticize and condemn Mausmrti  as being against women is wholly erroneous.<ref name=":3" /> More so because, it is being quoted and interpreted without reference to the earlier parts and other verses in Manusmrti.<ref name=":2" />
  
=== Right of mothers ===
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The meaning of the verse becomes clearer when it is read with another provision in Manu wherein the highest respect is accorded to women. It says,<blockquote>उपाध्यायान्दशाचार्य आचार्याणां शतं पिता । सहस्रं तु पितॄन्माता गौरवेणातिरिच्यते । । २.१४५ । ।<ref>Manusmrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 2]</ref>
<blockquote>"समांशहारिणी माता | "</blockquote>Meaning : Mother is an Equal Sharer.<blockquote>"समांशहारिणी मातेति वचनात् मातृपदस्य जननीपरत्वात् न</blockquote><blockquote>सपत्नीमातृपरत्वमपि | सकृत् श्रुतस्य मुख्यगौणत्वानुपपत्ते: | " (Smriti Chandrika p.624)</blockquote>The expression 'mother' includes the step-mother, i.e., the other wives, if any, of the father. Their share was, however, liable to be reduced to the extent of stridhana in their possession.
 
  
Because of this rule, the rights of paternal grandmother or step-grandmother were also similar.
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''upādhyāyāndaśācārya ācāryāṇāṁ śataṁ pitā । sahasraṁ tu pitr̥̄nmātā gauraveṇātiricyate । । 2.145 । ।''</blockquote>Meaning : The [[Acharya (आचार्यः)|acharya]] is more venerable than an Upadhyaya (teacher); the father is more venerable than an acharya. But the mother is more venerable than the father.
  
=== Rights of daughters ===
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This verse indicates that while the teacher is to be placed at a higher level, the father is to be respected more than the teacher and no place, no status which is higher than that of the mother is given to any one. A combined reading of the verses quoted above indicate that women were placed at a high pedestal. Read along with the verses quoted in the earlier sections of the article, it is revealed that any meaning given to the verse to the effect that women should be denied freedom at every stage would be inconsistent with the other verses. For, if women are denied freedom and kept under subjugation, they are bound to be in grief and tears. And as a consequence, the happiness of the family disappears. Hence, a meaning consistent with the verses quoted alone is appropriate. And that is, 'women should be honoured and protected'. It is a humane and a duty-oriented provision, the mandate to provide security and should not be misunderstood as making her life insecure.<ref name=":2" />
Daughters, whose marriages had taken place before partition, were given no right in the coparcenary property of their parents' joint family. As regards unmarried daughters, a share in the coparcenary property was recognised.<blockquote>"स्वेभ्योंऽशेभ्यस्तु कन्याम्य: प्रदधुर्भ्रातर: पृथक् |</blockquote><blockquote>स्वात्खादंशाच्चतुर्भागं पतिता: स्युरदित्सव: || " (Manu IX 118)</blockquote>Meaning : To maiden sisters, each of the brothers shall give out of his share, one- fourth part. Those who fail to give shall become patita.
 
  
Kat.858, however, while repeating the rule, provides that in cases where the property is small, sons and unmarried daughters should share equally. The Hindu law governing inheritance and partition of joint family property continues to be in force subject to the modifications brought about by legislations, the latest being the Hindu succession Act, 1955 under which a daughter is an equal sharer along with the son in the property of the father.
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== दायभागे स्त्रीणाम् अधिकाराः ॥ Property Rights of Women ==
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An analysis of the provisions concerning women in the [[Smrti (स्मृतिः)|Smrtis]] indicate that on account of the social system, a daughter, after marriage, was to become a member of her husband's family. And therefore, no share in the ancestral property of the father was provided for her by birth. However, in every other respect, special provisions had been made in favour of women.  
  
=== Stridhana ===
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For example, it is well known that when the original owner of a property leaves his property unattended for a specific period of time (10 years), Manusmrti establishes that a person can claim his/her right over such a property by the doctrine of adverse possession. And this provision of the law regarding perfecting title to immoveable property by adverse possession was very strict. Only after three generations could adverse possessions be pleaded, but in respect of property belonging to women no adverse possession could be pleaded at all at any time.<ref name=":2" /> The Katyayana Smrti says, <blockquote>न भोगं कल्पयेत्स्त्रीषु देवराजधनेषु च ।। ३३० ।।<ref>Katyayana Smrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83#%E0%A4%AD%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83 Bhukti]</ref> ''na bhogaṁ kalpayetstrīṣu devarājadhaneṣu ca ।। 330 ।।''</blockquote>Meaning: No plea of adverse possession is tenable in respect of property belonging to women, State and Temple.<ref name=":3" />
Every property movable or immoveable, given to a woman by anyone constitutes her own absolute property. The rule of succession to Stridhana was that it would go to
 
daughters, to the exclusion of the sons and, to the sons only in the event of there being no daughters.
 
  
=== Exception to women's property from the law of adverse possession ===
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Some of the other provisions<ref name=":2" /> made in favour of women in Property matters are as follows:
The provision of the law regarding perfecting title to immoveable property by adverse possession was very strict. Only after three generations could adverse possessions be pleaded, but in respect of property belonging to women no adverse possession could be pleaded at all at any time.
 
  
=== Special provision in favor of women regarding quantum of penalty ===
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=== स्त्रीधनम् ॥ Stridhana ===
In case of all offences only half of the punishment prescribed for man should be imposed on a woman (Katyayana-487)
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The word Stridhana occurs for the first time in the Agniveshya [[Grhyasutras (गृह्यसूत्राणि)|Grhyasutra]] in the context of Kanyadana.<ref name=":7">L. S. Deodhar (2010), [http://www.jstor.org/stable/42931258 Concept of the right of Stridhana in the Smrtis] in Bulletin of the Deccan College Research Institute (Vol. 70/71), Pune: Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, p.349–357.</ref><blockquote>वधूमताद्भिर्दत्तां प्रतिगृह्णाति स्त्रीधनं च । १.६.१ ।<ref>Agniveshya Grhyasutra, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7 Prashna 1].</ref> vadhūmatādbhirdattāṁ pratigr̥hṇāti strīdhanaṁ ca । 1.6.1 । </blockquote>When a woman receives gifts on various occasions from various persons it becomes her individual property. This is recognized as a separate property called Stridhana by [[Dharmashastras (धर्मशास्त्राणि)|Dharmashastra]] authors. The first definition of Stridhana is found in the [[Arthashastra (अर्थशास्त्रम्)|Arthashastra]].<ref name=":7" /> <blockquote>वृत्तिराबध्यं वा स्त्रीधनं ।। ०३.२.१४ ।।<ref>Arthashastra, Adhikarana 3, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_%E0%A5%A9/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8 Adhyaya 2]</ref> vr̥ttirābadhyaṁ vā strīdhanaṁ ।। 03.2.14 ।।</blockquote>Meaning: Maintenance and ornaments constitute woman's property.<ref name=":7" /> And every property, movable or immoveable, given to a woman by anyone, constitutes her own absolute property.<ref name=":2" /> There are 6 types of Stridhana according to [[Manusmrti (मनुस्मृतिः)|Manusmrti]].<blockquote>अध्यग्न्यध्यावाहनिकं दत्तं च प्रीतिकर्मणि । भ्रातृमातृपितृप्राप्तं षड्विधं स्त्रीधनं स्मृतम् । । ९.१९४ । ।<ref name=":1" /> adhyagnyadhyāvāhanikaṁ dattaṁ ca prītikarmaṇi । bhrātr̥mātr̥pitr̥prāptaṁ ṣaḍvidhaṁ strīdhanaṁ smr̥tam । । 9.194 । ।</blockquote>They are,
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# Adhyagni: That which is given by the father and others during [[Marriage (विवाह: संस्कार:)|marriage]] infront of the fire
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# Adhyavahanika: Ornaments and other things obtained from the husband's family
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# Pritikarmani Datta: That which is given by the husband or others as a token of love and affection
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# Bhratr Prapta: That which is given by the brother
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# Matr Prapta: That which is received from the mother and
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# Pitr Prapta: That which is given by the father<ref name=":6">Girija Prasad Dvivedi (1917), [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.343659/page/n491/mode/2up?view=theater The Manusmriti], Lucknow: Newal Kishore Press.</ref><ref name=":7" />
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Katyayana Smriti also has the same classification. The first 3 types of Stridhana have been varigatedly explained in the [[Smrti (स्मृतिः)|Smrti]] shastras as follows. According to Katyayana Smrti,
  
=== Death sentence for rape of a woman under custody ===
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* Adhyagni: What is given to a woman at the time of [[Vivaha (विवाहः)|marriage]] before the nuptial fire.
Capital sentence for committing the offence of rape against a woman arrested, by an officer of the state, was prescribed (vide Kautilya Arthasastra p.256)
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The requirement of such severe punishment was recognised and section 376 of the I.P.C. was amended by Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1980, by which penalty of rigorous imprisonment of ten years is prescribed for the offence of the rape of a woman.
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<blockquote>विवाहकाले यत्स्त्रीभ्यो दीयते ह्यग्निसंनिधौ । तदध्यग्निकृतं सद्भिः स्त्रीधनं परिकीर्तितम् ।। ८९५ ।।<ref name=":8" /> vivāhakāle yatstrībhyo dīyate hyagnisaṁnidhau । tadadhyagnikr̥taṁ sadbhiḥ strīdhanaṁ parikīrtitam ।। 895 ।।</blockquote>Balambhatta, the commentator of [[Yajnavalkya Smrti (याज्ञवल्क्यस्मृतिः)|Yajnavalkya Smrti]], points out that this type of Stridhana is gifted at the time of marriage, particularly at the time of Kanyadana and Lajahoma.
The above provisions in the smritis are referred to in this book in order to dispel the doubts created by some critics who argue that, according to Manusmriti, women were not entitled to freedom, and to show that on the other hand greater protection was given to women in our laws. In fact, by placing the entire burden of maintaining the women on the father, the husband, and the son, the law totally freed her from earning and from contributing to the maintenance of the family, leaving her free to dedicate her entire time and energy to the upbringing of children, which was by itself an onerous responsibility.
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This exposition can be completed best by quoting what Kerry Brown has stated in his book, "The Essential Teachings of Hinduism", having ascertained the real meaning of the controversial verse in Manu.<blockquote>''"In Hinduism a woman is looked after not because she is inferior or incapable but, on the contrary, because she is treasured. She is the pride and power of the society. Just as the crown jewels should not be left unguarded, neither should a woman be left unprotected. No extra burden of earning a living should be placed on women who already bear huge responsibilities in society; childbirth; child care, domestic well being and spiritual growth. She is 1he transmitter of culture to her children."''</blockquote>The important role assigned to women has been correctly identified. It is no doubt true that times have changed, we have women who are competent in various professions, avocations, competent in business, who are competent political rulers, bureaucrats, technocrats, advocates, judges and so on. But that is no reason to lose sight of the onerous responsibility of women of looking after the health and education of children or to forget the noble value of looking upon every woman as one's mother as that is the only powerful antidote for atrocities against women.
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* Adhyavahanika: That which a women obtains when she is being taken in procession from the father's house to the bridegroom's house.
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<blockquote>यत्पुनर्लभते नारी नीयमाना पितुर्गृहात् । अध्यावहनिकं चैव स्त्रीधनं तदुदाहृतम् ।। ८९६ ।।<ref name=":8">Katyayana Smrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83#%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%82_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9A Stridhana lakshanam Stridhana Prakara]</ref> yatpunarlabhate nārī nīyamānā piturgr̥hāt । adhyāvahanikaṁ caiva strīdhanaṁ tadudāhr̥tam ।। 896 ।।</blockquote>
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* Pritidatta: Whatever is given to a woman through affection by father-in-law and mother-in-law and whatever is received at the time of saluting the elders as a gift of affection.
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<blockquote>प्रीत्या दत्तं तु यत्किंचित्श्वश्र्वा वा श्वशुरेण वा । पादवन्दनिकं चैव प्रीतिदत्तं तदुच्यते ।। ८९७ ।।<ref name=":8" /> prītyā dattaṁ tu yatkiṁcitśvaśrvā vā śvaśureṇa vā । pādavandanikaṁ caiva prītidattaṁ taducyate ।। 897 ।।</blockquote>While Katyayana terms Pritidatta as a gift given by the in-laws and elders in the family, Manvarthamuktavali (a commentary on Manusmrti) states that Pritidatta refers to the gift given by the husband. Furthermore, Balambhatta, in his commentary on Yajnavalkya Smrti describes Pritidatta Stridhana of two types viz. the gift given when elders see the daughter-in-law for the first time and the gifts they give her out of affection, later on, on account of her seva. In addition to these six types of Stridhana enumerated above, Manusmrti has stated two more types viz. Anvadheya and Patyadatta.<ref name=":7" /><blockquote>अन्वाधेयं च यद्दत्तं पत्या प्रीतेन चैव यत् ... । । ९.१९५ । ।<ref name=":1" /> anvādheyaṁ ca yaddattaṁ patyā prītena caiva yat ... । । 9.195 । ।</blockquote>Katyayana Smrti defines these as follows:<blockquote>विवाहात्परतो यत्तु लब्धं भर्तृकुलात्स्त्रिया । अन्वाधेयं तदुक्तं तु लभ्दं बन्धुकुलात्तथा ।। ८९९ ।।
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ऊर्ध्वं लब्धं तु यत्किंचित्संस्कारात्प्रीतितः स्त्रिया । भर्तुः पित्रोः सकाशाद्वा अन्वाधेयं तु तद्भृगुः ।। ९०० ।।<ref name=":8" />
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vivāhātparato yattu labdhaṁ bhartr̥kulātstriyā । anvādheyaṁ taduktaṁ tu labhdaṁ bandhukulāttathā ।। 899 ।।
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ūrdhvaṁ labdhaṁ tu yatkiṁcitsaṁskārātprītitaḥ striyā । bhartuḥ pitroḥ sakāśādvā anvādheyaṁ tu tadbhr̥guḥ ।। 900 ।।</blockquote>Meaning: Whatever is obtained by a woman after marriage from the family of her husband and also what is similarly obtained from the family of her (father's) kinsmen is said to be anvadheya (subsequent gift). Whatever is obtained by a woman through affection after her marriage from her husband or from her parents is Anvadheya. This is the view of Bhrgu. While the Patyadatta type of Stridhana enumerated by Manusmrti is the gift given to a woman by her husband as a token of his love. It is interesting to note that Narada Smrti also enlist 6 types of Stridhana viz. Adhyagni, Adhyavahanika, Bhartrdaya, Bhratrdatta, Matrdatta and Pitrdatta.<ref name=":7" /> <blockquote>अध्यग्न्यध्यावहनिकं भर्तृदायस्तथैव च । भ्रातृमातृपितृभ्यश्च षड्विधं स्त्रीधनं स्मृतम् । । १३.८ । ।<ref>Narada Smrti, Vyavaharapadani, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83 Dayabhaga]</ref> adhyagnyadhyāvahanikaṁ bhartr̥dāyastathaiva ca । bhrātr̥mātr̥pitr̥bhyaśca ṣaḍvidhaṁ strīdhanaṁ smr̥tam । । 13.8 । ।</blockquote>The only difference between the list in Manusmrti and Katyayana Smrti versus that of the Narada Smrti is the use of the term Bhartrdaya instead of Pritidatta. And the term bhartrdaya commonly refers to a women's share in the partition of her husband's wealth. Also, these lists dont mean that the illustration of Stridhana is restricted to the number six. Infact, Mitakshara, the commentary on Yajnavalkya Smrti states that the elaboration of sixfold property is not intended as a restriction of greater number. Rather, it should be understood as a denial of a lesser number. This is exhibited in the Vishnu Smrti that includes more than six categories in the interpretation Stridhana.<ref name=":7" /><blockquote>पितृमातृसुतभ्रातृदत्तम्, अध्यग्न्युपागतम्, आधिवेदनिकं, बन्धुदत्तं, शुल्कम्, अन्वाधेयकं इति स्त्रीधनं । । १७.१८ । ।<ref>Vishnu Smrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%BD%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 17]</ref> pitr̥mātr̥sutabhrātr̥dattam, adhyagnyupāgatam, ādhivedanikaṁ, bandhudattaṁ, śulkam, anvādheyakaṁ iti strīdhanaṁ । । 17.18 । ।</blockquote>Meaning: What is given to her by the father, mother, son, brother or what is received at the nuptial fire, what is received as a consolation fee for supersation, what is given by the kindreds as well as her perquisite and subsequent gifts - all this is her Stridhana. It is also interesting to note here that the Vishnu Smrti has mentioned the gift from the son as Stridhana and no other text except the Yajnavalkya Smrti has mentioned the same. The constituent features mentioned by Maharshi Yajnvalkya in the definition of Stridhana are<ref name=":7" /><blockquote>पितृमातृसुतभ्रातृदत्तमध्यग्न्युपागतम् । आधिवेदनिकाद्यं च स्त्रीधनं परिकीर्तितम् ।।१४३।।  बन्धुदत्तं तथा शुल्कमन्वाधेयकमेव च । ... १४४।।<ref name=":9">[https://archive.org/details/yajnavalkya-smriti-with-aparadityas-tippani-anandasram-edition/Yajnavalkya%20Smriti%20with%20Aparaditya%27s%20Tippani%20Part%202-%20Anandasram%201904/page/n183/mode/1up?view=theater Yajnavalkya Smrti] (1904), Pune: Anandashram</ref> pitr̥mātr̥sutabhrātr̥dattamadhyagnyupāgatam । ādhivedanikādyaṁ ca strīdhanaṁ parikīrtitam ।।143।। bandhudattaṁ tathā śulkamanvādheyakameva ca । ... 144।।</blockquote>Meaning: What is given to a woman by the father, mother, son or brother or received by her at the nuptial fire, as also that which was presented to her on her husband's marriage to another woman and any other is denominated as a woman's property. That which has been given to her by her kinsmen as well as her fees or gratuity or anything bestowed after marriage. According to the Mitakshara commentary on Yajnavalkya Smrti, the word Adya after Adhivedanika covers the property which she may have acquired by inheritance, purchase, partition, seizure or finding.<ref name=":7" /><blockquote>रिक्थक्रयसंविभागपरिग्रहाधिगमप्राप्तम् एतत्स्त्रीधनम् ।<ref>Vasudev Laxman Shastri Panshikar (1936), [https://archive.org/details/Yajnavalkya.Smriti.with.the.Commentary.Mitaksara.of.Vidnyaneshvara/page/n257/mode/1up?view=theater Yadnyavalkyasmriti of Yogishvara Yadnyavalkya with the commentary of Mitakshara of Vidnyaneshvara], Bombay: Nirnaya Sagar Press.</ref> rikthakrayasaṁvibhāgaparigrahādhigamaprāptam etatstrīdhanam ।</blockquote>While Bandhudatta is interpreted, in the Mitakshara, as gift from kinsmen from mother's side as well as from father's side. However, the word shulka is interpreted in various ways. According to Katyayana Smrti,<blockquote>गृहोपस्करवाह्यानां दोह्याभरणकर्मिणाम् । मूल्यं लब्धं तु यत्किंचिच्शुल्कं तत्परिकीर्तितम् ।। ८९८ ।।<ref name=":8" />
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gr̥hopaskaravāhyānāṁ dohyābharaṇakarmiṇām । mūlyaṁ labdhaṁ tu yatkiṁcicśulkaṁ tatparikīrtitam ।। 898 ।।</blockquote>Meaning: That is declared to be shulka which is obtained as a price of household utensils, of beasts of burden, of milch cattle, ornament and slaves. The Apararka commentary on Yajnavalkya Smrti finally states that<blockquote>अन्यदपि यत्स्त्रीस्वामिकं तत्स्त्रीधनम् ।<ref name=":9" /> anyadapi yatstrīsvāmikaṁ tatstrīdhanam ।</blockquote>
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Meaning: Other things also, that belong to the woman is termed Stridhana.<ref name=":7" />
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Speaking of the rules of succession to Stridhana, Manusmrti says that the wealth obtained from the husband's family during marriage and that given by the husband himself as a token of love belongs to her progeny incase the woman dies while her husband is still alive. And if there is no offspring, the wealth belongs either to her husband or father. However, it emphasizes that any wealth given to a woman by her father shall belong to her daughter or the child of her daughter.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":4" /><blockquote>अन्वाधेयं च यद्दत्तं पत्या प्रीतेन चैव यत् । पत्यौ जीवति वृत्तायाः प्रजायास्तद्धनं भवेत् । । ९.१९५ । ।
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... अप्रजायां अतीतायां भर्तुरेव तदिष्यते । । ९.१९६ । । ... अप्रजायां अतीतायां मातापित्रोस्तदिष्यते । । ९.१९७ । ।
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स्त्रियां तु यद्भवेद्वित्तं पित्रा दत्तं कथं चन । ब्राह्मणी तद्धरेत्कन्या तदपत्यस्य वा भवेत् । । ९.१९८ । ।<ref name=":1" />
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anvādheyaṁ ca yaddattaṁ patyā prītena caiva yat । patyau jīvati vr̥ttāyāḥ prajāyāstaddhanaṁ bhavet । । 9.195 । ।
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... aprajāyāṁ atītāyāṁ bhartureva tadiṣyate । । 9.196 । । ... aprajāyāṁ atītāyāṁ mātāpitrostadiṣyate । । 9.197 । ।
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striyāṁ tu yadbhavedvittaṁ pitrā dattaṁ kathaṁ cana । brāhmaṇī taddharetkanyā tadapatyasya vā bhavet । । 9.198 । ।</blockquote>In fact, the rule of succession to Stridhana, that it would go to daughters alone is also hinted elsewhere in the Manusmrti.<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>मातुस्तु यौतकं यत्स्यात्कुमारीभाग एव सः ।...९.१३१<ref name=":1" /> mātustu yautakaṁ yatsyātkumārībhāga eva saḥ ।...9.131</blockquote>Here, the term 'Yautaka' refers to the separate property of a woman; of which she alone is the sole owner. Thus, some apply it to what she receives at marriage. While some also apply it to the savings that a young woman makes out of what she receives from her husband for her clothing and ornaments and also for the household expenses.
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Gautama also adds that the property descends to her daughters who are unmarried and unsettled. Wherein, unsettled also stands for those who, though married are childless, and without any property of their own, not having obtained a footing in the house of their husbands.<ref name=":4" />
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Furthermore, Manusmrti clearly indicates that those relations who, in their folly, live on the properties of women, their conveyances and clothes (stridhana), are committing papa (पापम्) and thus, suffer downfall.<ref name=":2" /><ref>Ganganath Jha (1920-39), Manusmrti ([https://ia801603.us.archive.org/33/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.46010/2015.46010.Manusmrti--Vol-4.pdf Vol.4]), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited.</ref><blockquote>स्त्रीधनानि तु ये मोहादुपजीवन्ति बान्धवाः । नारी यानानि वस्त्रं वा ते पापा यान्त्यधोगतिम् । । ३.५२ । ।<ref name=":0" /> ''strīdhanāni tu yē mōhādupajīvanti bāndhavāḥ । nārī yānāni vastraṁ vā tē pāpā yāntyadhōgatim । । 3.52 । ।''</blockquote>It is interesting to note that Sarvajnanarayana, in his commentary on Manusmrti called Manvarthavivrti interprets the word Stridhana in a different manner. He refers to it as the wealth received by the parents of the bride given to them by the bridegroom.<blockquote>स्त्रिदाननिमित्ते प्राप्तानि धनानि । २.५२ । stridānanimitte prāptāni dhanāni । 2.52 ।<ref name=":7" /> </blockquote>
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=== संयुक्तकुटुम्बेषु स्त्रीणाम् अधिकाराः ॥ Rights of Women in Joint Family ===
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Within the joint family, male members upto three lineal descendants form a coparcenary. Though women were not admitted to the membership of this coparcenary, they were members of the joint family. And thus, the law gave them the right to a share equal to 'one fourth of the share of the brothers' at partition though they were not given the right to compel partition.
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=== पत्नीनाम् अधिकारः ॥ Right of Wives ===
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[[Yajnavalkya Smrti (याज्ञवल्क्यस्मृतिः)|Yajnavalkya Smrti]] states that wives are entitled to a share 'equal to that of sons' at a partition. But the share is liable to be reduced by the amount of stridhana given by the husband or the father-in-law, if any, in their possession.<ref name=":2" /> It says, <blockquote>यदि कुर्यात्समानंशान्पत्न्यः कार्याः समांशिकाः । न दत्तं स्त्रीधनं यासां भर्त्रा वा श्वशुरेण वा । । २.११५ । ।<ref>Yajnavalkya Smrti, Vyavaharadhyaya, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9E%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Dayavibhaga Prakaranam].</ref>
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''yadi kuryātsamānaṁśānpatnyaḥ kāryāḥ samāṁśikāḥ । na dattaṁ strīdhanaṁ yāsāṁ bhartrā vā śvaśurēṇa vā । । 2.115 । ।''</blockquote>This rule recognized the right to share in favour of a wife and if there was more than one wife, all the wives were entitled to equal shares. Also, the amount of Stridhana to be taken into account for the purpose of reducing the share was only that which was given by the husband or the father-in-law.
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=== जननीनाम् अधिकारः ॥ Right of Mothers ===
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The provision for financial security of the wife as mentioned above is also reiterated to the sons in the context of their mothers as follows:<blockquote>समांशहारिणी माता | ''samāṁśahāriṇī mātā |'' </blockquote>Meaning : Mother is an Equal Sharer.<blockquote>समांशहारिणी मातेति वचनात् मातृपदस्य जननीपरत्वात् न | सपत्नीमातृपरत्वमपि सकृत् श्रुतस्य मुख्यगौणत्वानुपपत्तेः || (Smriti Chandrika)
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''samāṁśahāriṇī mātēti vacanāt mātr̥padasya jananīparatvāt na | sapatnīmātr̥paratvamapi sakr̥t śrutasya mukhyagauṇatvānupapatteḥ ||''</blockquote>Meaning: The expression 'mother' includes the step-mother, i.e., the other wives, if any, of the father. Their share was, however, liable to be reduced to the extent of stridhana in their possession.
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Because of this rule, the rights of paternal grandmother or step-grandmother were also similar.<ref name=":2" /> Infact, the Manusmrti states that the property of a childless son shall be inherited by his mother. And in the absence of the mother, it shall be received by the father's mother.<ref name=":4" /><blockquote>अनपत्यस्य पुत्रस्य माता दायं अवाप्नुयात् । मातर्यपि च वृत्तायां पितुर्माता हरेद्धनम् । । ९.२१७ । ।<ref name=":1" />
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anapatyasya putrasya mātā dāyaṁ avāpnuyāt । mātaryapi ca vr̥ttāyāṁ piturmātā hareddhanam । । 9.217 । ।</blockquote>
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=== पुत्रीणाम् भगिनीरुपे अधिकारः ॥ Right of Daughters as Sisters ===
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Daughters, whose marriages had taken place before partition, did not have right in the coparcenary property of their parents' joint family. However, as unmarried daughters, their share in the coparcenary property was recognised.<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>स्वेभ्योऽंशेभ्यस्तु कन्याभ्यः प्रदद्युर्भ्रातरः पृथक् । स्वात्स्वादंशाच्चतुर्भागं पतिताः स्युरदित्सवः । । ९.११८ । ।<ref name=":1" />
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''svēbhyō'ṁśēbhyastu kanyābhyaḥ pradadyurbhrātaraḥ pr̥thak । svātsvādaṁśāccaturbhāgaṁ patitāḥ syuraditsavaḥ । । 9.118 । ।''</blockquote>Meaning : To maiden sisters, each of the brothers shall give out of his share, one-fourth part. Those who fail to give shall become patita (पतितः). However, while repeating the rule, Katyayana Smrti provides that in cases where the property is small, sons and unmarried daughters should share equally.<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>कन्यकानां त्वदत्तानां चतुर्थो भाग इष्यते । पुत्राणां तु त्रयो भागाः साम्यं त्वल्पधने स्मृतम् ।। ८५८ ।।<ref>Katyayana Smrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83#%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83 Daya Vibhaga].</ref>
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''kanyakānāṁ tvadattānāṁ caturtho bhāga iṣyate । putrāṇāṁ tu trayo bhāgāḥ sāmyaṁ tvalpadhane smr̥tam ।। 858 ।।''</blockquote>Explaining the import of this provision, it is said in a  commentary on the Manusmrti named Medhatithi that when the property left for the brother and the sister is small and the one fourth part of the brother's share is not sufficient for the sister's maintenance, the sister shall obtain a share equal to her brother's until her marriage; after which she shall receive one fourth part of the share, even though it be small. As after marriage, she shall be taken care of by her husband.<ref name=":4">Ganganath Jha (1920-39), Manusmrti ([https://archive.org/details/manusmritiwithmedhatithisbhashyaenggnjhavol7_202003_784_q/page/100/mode/2up?view=theater Vol.7]), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited.</ref><blockquote>यत्र स्वल्पधनमस्ति भ्रातुर्भगिन्याश्च न चतुर्भागे कन्याया भरणं भवति तत्र समभागं कन्या हरेदासंस्कारात् । परतस्तु स्मृत्यन्तराच्चतुर्भागं गृह्णीयात् स्वल्पमपि कथं तर्हि... परतो बिभृयात् पतिरिति...<ref name=":5">Vishvanath Narayan Mandlik (1886), [https://archive.org/details/manusmriti/page/n1199/mode/2up Manava Dharma Sastra], Bombay: Ganpat Krishnaji's Press</ref>
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yatra svalpadhanamasti bhrāturbhaginyāśca na caturbhāge kanyāyā bharaṇaṁ bhavati tatra samabhāgaṁ kanyā haredāsaṁskārāt । paratastu smr̥tyantarāccaturbhāgaṁ gr̥hṇīyāt svalpamapi kathaṁ tarhi... parato bibhr̥yāt patiriti...</blockquote>It is in this sense that it seems to have been said,<blockquote>जीवति पितरि तदिच्छया मूल्येनापि धनेन संस्क्रियन्ते मृते त्वंशहरा इति...<ref name=":5" />
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jīvati pitari tadicchayā mūlyenāpi dhanena saṁskriyante mr̥te tvaṁśaharā iti...</blockquote>Meaning: If the father is alive they (daughters) have their marriage performed at tremendous expense and if the father is dead, they obtain a share in the property.<ref name=":4" />
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It is interesting to note here that the Hindu law governing inheritance and partition of joint family property continues to be in force subject to the modifications brought about by legislations. And as per the Hindu succession Act, 1955 a daughter is an equal sharer along with the son in the property of the father.<ref name=":2" />
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=== पुत्रिकाणाम् अधिकारः ॥ Right of Only Daughters ===
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Manusmrti mentions a practice of making one's daughter's son as one's heir in the absence of one's own son. Such a daughter, who has no brothers and whose son can be made her father's heir is known as Putrika.<ref name=":4" /><blockquote>अपुत्रोऽनेन विधिना सुतां कुर्वीत पुत्रिकाम् । यदपत्यं भवेदस्यां तन्मम स्यात्स्वधाकरम् । । ९.१२७ । ।<ref name=":1" />
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aputro'nena vidhinā sutāṁ kurvīta putrikām । yadapatyaṁ bhavedasyāṁ tanmama syātsvadhākaram । । 9.127 । ।</blockquote>The text mentions Daksha Prajapati as an example for this case and thereby, it is held that one may have more than one Putrika.<ref name=":4" /><blockquote>दशेत्यादिलिङ्गादानेकपुत्रिकाकरणमपीच्छन्ति ॥१२९<ref name=":5" /> daśetyādiliṅgādānekaputrikākaraṇamapīcchanti ॥129</blockquote>In this very context the Manusmrti emphasises that the son is one's own self and the daughter is equal to the son. And as long as she exists, especially as a Putrika, no one else can take the father's property.<ref name=":4" /><blockquote>यथैवात्मा तथा पुत्रः पुत्रेण दुहिता समा । तस्यां आत्मनि तिष्ठन्त्यां कथं अन्यो धनं हरेत् । । ९.१३० । ।<ref name=":1" />
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yathaivātmā tathā putraḥ putreṇa duhitā samā । tasyāṁ ātmani tiṣṭhantyāṁ kathaṁ anyo dhanaṁ haret । । 9.130 । ।</blockquote>Implying that if at the time of the father's death, the Putrika has no child, she cannot be denied the right to inherit her father's property. But if a son happens to be born to her father after she has been declared as his Putrika (and thereby her son as her father's heir), the property is divided equally among the two.<ref name=":4" /><blockquote>पुत्रिकायां कृतायां तु यदि पुत्रोऽनुजायते । समस्तत्र विभागः स्यात्.. । । ९.१३४ । ।<ref name=":1" />
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putrikāyāṁ kr̥tāyāṁ tu yadi putro'nujāyate । samastatra vibhāgaḥ syāt.. । । 9.134 । ।</blockquote>
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== दण्डविधिः ॥ Quantum of Penalty ==
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Katyayana Smrti says that in case of all offences, only half of the punishment prescribed for a man should be imposed on a woman.<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>सर्वेषु चापराधेषु पुंसो योऽर्थदमः स्मृतः । तदर्धं योषितो दद्युर्वधे पुंसोऽङ्ग कर्तनम् ।। ४८७ ।।<ref>Katyayana Smrti, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83#%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83 Danda Vidhi].</ref>
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''sarveṣu cāparādheṣu puṁso yo'rthadamaḥ smr̥taḥ । tadardhaṁ yoṣito dadyurvadhe puṁso'ṅga kartanam ।। 487 ।।''</blockquote>
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== संहृतिः ॥ Synopsis ==
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The provisions in the smrtis enlisted above dispel the doubts, criticisms and arguments that, according to Manusmrti, women were not entitled to freedom. On the other hand, they show that greater protection was given to women in the ancient laws. In fact, by placing the entire burden of maintaining the women on the father, the husband, and the son, the law totally freed her from earning and from contributing to the maintenance of the family, leaving her free to dedicate her entire time and energy to the upbringing of children, which was by itself an onerous responsibility.
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This exposition can be completed best by quoting what Kerry Brown has stated in his book, "The Essential Teachings of Hinduism", having explored the meaning of the verses in Manusmrti. He says, <blockquote>''"In Hinduism a woman is looked after not because she is inferior or incapable but, on the contrary, because she is treasured. She is the pride and power of the society. Just as the crown jewels should not be left unguarded, neither should a woman be left unprotected. No extra burden of earning a living should be placed on women who already bear huge responsibilities in society; childbirth; child care, domestic well being and adhyatmik growth. She is the transmitter of culture to her children."''</blockquote>Today, it is no doubt true that times have changed. We have women who are competent in various professions, avocations, competent in business, who are competent political rulers, bureaucrats, technocrats, advocates, judges and so on. But that is no reason to lose sight of the onerous responsibility on women of looking after the health and education of children or to forget the noble value of looking upon every woman as one's mother as that is the only powerful antidote for atrocities against women. Thus, the important role played by women in the society is aptly acknowledged then and now.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
# M. RAMA JOIS, DHARMA - The Global Ethic, Published by "Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
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<references />
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[[Category:Dharmas]]
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[[Category:Smrtis]]
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[[Category:Manusmrti]]

Latest revision as of 18:42, 23 August 2024

Rights of Women (Samskrit: स्त्रीत्वाधिकारः) discusses respect to womanhood, the responsibility of protection of women and the various provisions designed for the welfare of women in the Bharatiya Parampara.

परिचयः ॥ Introduction

The Bharatiya Parampara enumerates various virtues as fundamentals or characteristics of dharma that should to be practiced by all. Among them, 'respect for women' is one of the most cherished values of life. Women were considered as divine treasures for family life. For, they are entrusted with the responsibility of motherhood by nature. An understanding of the intense love and affection of a mother for her children, and her readiness to make tremendous sacrifices for the sake of her children led to the evolution of a cultural value of regarding mother as a devata (divinity). Furthermore, as every woman is a potential mother, even small girls came to be addressed with respect as Ma, Amma etc., that mean mother. Once the value that 'every woman is motherly' is ingrained in the heart of an individual, immoral thoughts of committing any offence against woman gets destroyed. In fact, despite the declining moral values in recent years, this value, cultivated and inculcated diligently in the hearts of individuals, is acting by and large, as the greatest protection for women against the immoralities prevalent in the society. Thus, creating and maintaining this value has been one of the most valuable contribution of the ancestors of Bharata.[1][2]

स्त्रीत्वमानः ॥ Respect for Womanhood

Manusmrti, in the following verse, mandates that highest respect and regard must be extended to women. It says,

यत्र नार्यस्तु पूज्यन्ते रमन्ते तत्र देवताः । यत्रैतास्तु न पूज्यन्ते सर्वास्तत्राफलाः क्रियाः । । ३.५६ । ।[3] yatra nāryastu pūjyante ramante tatra devatāḥ । yatraitāstu na pūjyante sarvāstatrāphalāḥ kriyāḥ । । 3.56 । ।

Meaning : Deities are pleased with the house in which women are respected. In that house in which women are insulted and are made to suffer, every thing done is sure to go waste. The importance given to this value of 'respect for womanhood' was ably exemplified by Shivaji Maharaj in his lifetime. It is said that having won the Kalyan province, Shivaji Maharaj acquired a lot of wealth. At that time, Abajipanth, who was the commander of the army that won the war, told him that a beautiful girl who was a member of the family of the Mughal Subhedar of Kalyan defeated in the war, had also been captured. And as he offered to present her to Maharaj, he said,

"You say she is so beautiful, she is equal to my mother. So, I love and respect her. Moreover, affording protection to women is Raja Dharma."

Having said so he got her decorated with jewels and rich dress, and she was restored to the defeated Subhedhar who was overwhelmed and realized the importance given to the value of 'respect for womanhood' in Bharata.


Furthermore, it is said that,

शोचन्ति जामयो यत्र विनश्यत्याशु तत्कुलम् । न शोचन्ति तु यत्रैता वर्धते तद्धि सर्वदा । । ३.५७ । ।

जामयो यानि गेहानि शपन्त्यप्रतिपूजिताः । तानि कृत्याहतानीव विनश्यन्ति समन्ततः । । ३.५८ । ।[3]

śocanti jāmayo yatra vinaśyatyāśu tatkulam । na śocanti tu yatraitā vardhate taddhi sarvadā । । 3.57 । ।

jāmayo yāni gehāni śapantyapratipūjitāḥ । tāni kr̥tyāhatānīva vinaśyanti samantataḥ । । 3.58 । ।

Meaning: If, in a house, the daughter, daughter-in-law, sisters and other women suffer, then that house is sure to be destroyed. The house in which such women live happily is the one that secures wealth and happiness. The family in which the wife, daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, etc. are not respected and in which they suffer from insult, is sure to be destroyed. Hence, it is said that, men who seek (their own) welfare should always honour women with gifts, good attire and dainty food.

स्त्रियां तु रोचमानायां सर्वं तद्रोचते कुलम् । तस्यां त्वरोचमानायां सर्वमेव न रोचते । । ३.६२ । ।[3] striyāṁ tu rocamānāyāṁ sarvaṁ tadrocate kulam । tasyāṁ tvarocamānāyāṁ sarvameva na rocate । । 3.62 । ।

Meaning : The house in which women folk are decorated with dress and jewellery shines. Otherwise, the house is sure to suffer. In fact, the Manusmrti goes ahead to say,

सुवासिनीः कुमारीश्च रोगिणो गर्भिणीः स्त्रियः । अतिथिभ्योऽग्र एवैतान् भोजयेदविचारयन् । । ३.११४ । ।[3] suvāsinīḥ kumārīśca rogiṇo garbhiṇīḥ striyaḥ । atithibhyo'gra evaitān bhojayedavicārayan । । 3.114 । ।

Meaning: Recently married daughters, as well as daughters-in-law, young girls as also pregnant women should be served with meals even before the guests.

This indicates the utmost consideration given to women in Manusmrti. For, the normal duty of Grhasthashrami (Householder) is to feed guests first and only thereafter, the owner of the house, his wife and other members of the family have food. However, the above provision shows that a young daughter or daughter-in-law who has been recently married, as also young girls and pregnant women were given such an importance and priority that they were to be provided with meals even before the guests. This indicates the highest concern shown to women and the acknowledgement of their great importance to the happiness of the family. On the whole, the above verses impress that any person who wants happiness at home and who desires that his family should prosper and secure enjoyment of life, must respect women always.[1]

स्त्रीरक्षणम् ॥ Protection of Women

Manusmrti says,

पिता रक्षति कौमारे भर्ता रक्षति यौवने । रक्षन्ति स्थविरे पुत्रा न स्त्री स्वातन्त्र्यं अर्हति । । ९.३ । ।[4] pitā rakṣati kaumāre bhartā rakṣati yauvane । rakṣanti sthavire putrā na strī svātantryaṁ arhati । । 9.3 । ।

Meaning: Father protects the girl in her childhood, husband protects her after marriage and her sons protect her in old age. At no stage should a woman be left free.

The last part of the above verse has become the basis for the criticism levelled against Manusmrti that it necessitates women to live like slaves of men throughout their life. However, by nature womanhood is tender. There are many situations in which women/girls require greater care, protection and security.[2] They are vulnerable to various kinds of onslaughts when left unprotected. Even now, when civilization has advanced greatly and women's performance in every field of activity is excellent, they require protection against onslaught. And that is the basis for the above verse of Manusmrti. It does not mean that woman must be kept without freedom. Such an interpretation runs counter to the verse, which says that the house in which women are insulted and shed tears gets destroyed.

In fact, in the earlier section of the article, the respect and regard extended to women in Manusmrti, that precede the above mentioned verse in the text of Manusmrti, has already been referenced. Therefore, it is imperative to revisit the meaning and purpose of the above verse which rather seems to be 'a woman requires and is entitled to protection in every stage of life'. Correspondingly, it is the duty of the father, the husband and the sons to look after the daughter, the wife and the mother respectively.

It is the duty of the father to look after his daughter with all care, educate her by giving due regard to her aptitude in arts, crafts and music and celebrate her marriage. Thereafter, the fundamental duty and responsibility to maintain and protect her stands shifted to her husband. And when her sons come of age that duty gets shifted to them. In fact, protection and care is essential to male children and aged fathers as well. Just, a special provision is made for women. Therefore, the real intention of the verse is to declare the obligation of the father, the husband and the sons to maintain and protect their daughter, their wife and their mother respectively. It is not a directive to subjugate or dominate them. Therefore, to interpret the verse to the effect that a woman must be treated as a slave by her father during her childhood, by her husband after her marriage and by her sons in old age, that she should be deprived of freedom throughout her life and thereby, criticize and condemn Mausmrti as being against women is wholly erroneous.[2] More so because, it is being quoted and interpreted without reference to the earlier parts and other verses in Manusmrti.[1]

The meaning of the verse becomes clearer when it is read with another provision in Manu wherein the highest respect is accorded to women. It says,

उपाध्यायान्दशाचार्य आचार्याणां शतं पिता । सहस्रं तु पितॄन्माता गौरवेणातिरिच्यते । । २.१४५ । ।[5] upādhyāyāndaśācārya ācāryāṇāṁ śataṁ pitā । sahasraṁ tu pitr̥̄nmātā gauraveṇātiricyate । । 2.145 । ।

Meaning : The acharya is more venerable than an Upadhyaya (teacher); the father is more venerable than an acharya. But the mother is more venerable than the father.

This verse indicates that while the teacher is to be placed at a higher level, the father is to be respected more than the teacher and no place, no status which is higher than that of the mother is given to any one. A combined reading of the verses quoted above indicate that women were placed at a high pedestal. Read along with the verses quoted in the earlier sections of the article, it is revealed that any meaning given to the verse to the effect that women should be denied freedom at every stage would be inconsistent with the other verses. For, if women are denied freedom and kept under subjugation, they are bound to be in grief and tears. And as a consequence, the happiness of the family disappears. Hence, a meaning consistent with the verses quoted alone is appropriate. And that is, 'women should be honoured and protected'. It is a humane and a duty-oriented provision, the mandate to provide security and should not be misunderstood as making her life insecure.[1]

दायभागे स्त्रीणाम् अधिकाराः ॥ Property Rights of Women

An analysis of the provisions concerning women in the Smrtis indicate that on account of the social system, a daughter, after marriage, was to become a member of her husband's family. And therefore, no share in the ancestral property of the father was provided for her by birth. However, in every other respect, special provisions had been made in favour of women.

For example, it is well known that when the original owner of a property leaves his property unattended for a specific period of time (10 years), Manusmrti establishes that a person can claim his/her right over such a property by the doctrine of adverse possession. And this provision of the law regarding perfecting title to immoveable property by adverse possession was very strict. Only after three generations could adverse possessions be pleaded, but in respect of property belonging to women no adverse possession could be pleaded at all at any time.[1] The Katyayana Smrti says,

न भोगं कल्पयेत्स्त्रीषु देवराजधनेषु च ।। ३३० ।।[6] na bhogaṁ kalpayetstrīṣu devarājadhaneṣu ca ।। 330 ।।

Meaning: No plea of adverse possession is tenable in respect of property belonging to women, State and Temple.[2]

Some of the other provisions[1] made in favour of women in Property matters are as follows:

स्त्रीधनम् ॥ Stridhana

The word Stridhana occurs for the first time in the Agniveshya Grhyasutra in the context of Kanyadana.[7]

वधूमताद्भिर्दत्तां प्रतिगृह्णाति स्त्रीधनं च । १.६.१ ।[8] vadhūmatādbhirdattāṁ pratigr̥hṇāti strīdhanaṁ ca । 1.6.1 ।

When a woman receives gifts on various occasions from various persons it becomes her individual property. This is recognized as a separate property called Stridhana by Dharmashastra authors. The first definition of Stridhana is found in the Arthashastra.[7]

वृत्तिराबध्यं वा स्त्रीधनं ।। ०३.२.१४ ।।[9] vr̥ttirābadhyaṁ vā strīdhanaṁ ।। 03.2.14 ।।

Meaning: Maintenance and ornaments constitute woman's property.[7] And every property, movable or immoveable, given to a woman by anyone, constitutes her own absolute property.[1] There are 6 types of Stridhana according to Manusmrti.

अध्यग्न्यध्यावाहनिकं दत्तं च प्रीतिकर्मणि । भ्रातृमातृपितृप्राप्तं षड्विधं स्त्रीधनं स्मृतम् । । ९.१९४ । ।[4] adhyagnyadhyāvāhanikaṁ dattaṁ ca prītikarmaṇi । bhrātr̥mātr̥pitr̥prāptaṁ ṣaḍvidhaṁ strīdhanaṁ smr̥tam । । 9.194 । ।

They are,

  1. Adhyagni: That which is given by the father and others during marriage infront of the fire
  2. Adhyavahanika: Ornaments and other things obtained from the husband's family
  3. Pritikarmani Datta: That which is given by the husband or others as a token of love and affection
  4. Bhratr Prapta: That which is given by the brother
  5. Matr Prapta: That which is received from the mother and
  6. Pitr Prapta: That which is given by the father[10][7]

Katyayana Smriti also has the same classification. The first 3 types of Stridhana have been varigatedly explained in the Smrti shastras as follows. According to Katyayana Smrti,

  • Adhyagni: What is given to a woman at the time of marriage before the nuptial fire.

विवाहकाले यत्स्त्रीभ्यो दीयते ह्यग्निसंनिधौ । तदध्यग्निकृतं सद्भिः स्त्रीधनं परिकीर्तितम् ।। ८९५ ।।[11] vivāhakāle yatstrībhyo dīyate hyagnisaṁnidhau । tadadhyagnikr̥taṁ sadbhiḥ strīdhanaṁ parikīrtitam ।। 895 ।।

Balambhatta, the commentator of Yajnavalkya Smrti, points out that this type of Stridhana is gifted at the time of marriage, particularly at the time of Kanyadana and Lajahoma.

  • Adhyavahanika: That which a women obtains when she is being taken in procession from the father's house to the bridegroom's house.

यत्पुनर्लभते नारी नीयमाना पितुर्गृहात् । अध्यावहनिकं चैव स्त्रीधनं तदुदाहृतम् ।। ८९६ ।।[11] yatpunarlabhate nārī nīyamānā piturgr̥hāt । adhyāvahanikaṁ caiva strīdhanaṁ tadudāhr̥tam ।। 896 ।।

  • Pritidatta: Whatever is given to a woman through affection by father-in-law and mother-in-law and whatever is received at the time of saluting the elders as a gift of affection.

प्रीत्या दत्तं तु यत्किंचित्श्वश्र्वा वा श्वशुरेण वा । पादवन्दनिकं चैव प्रीतिदत्तं तदुच्यते ।। ८९७ ।।[11] prītyā dattaṁ tu yatkiṁcitśvaśrvā vā śvaśureṇa vā । pādavandanikaṁ caiva prītidattaṁ taducyate ।। 897 ।।

While Katyayana terms Pritidatta as a gift given by the in-laws and elders in the family, Manvarthamuktavali (a commentary on Manusmrti) states that Pritidatta refers to the gift given by the husband. Furthermore, Balambhatta, in his commentary on Yajnavalkya Smrti describes Pritidatta Stridhana of two types viz. the gift given when elders see the daughter-in-law for the first time and the gifts they give her out of affection, later on, on account of her seva. In addition to these six types of Stridhana enumerated above, Manusmrti has stated two more types viz. Anvadheya and Patyadatta.[7]

अन्वाधेयं च यद्दत्तं पत्या प्रीतेन चैव यत् ... । । ९.१९५ । ।[4] anvādheyaṁ ca yaddattaṁ patyā prītena caiva yat ... । । 9.195 । ।

Katyayana Smrti defines these as follows:

विवाहात्परतो यत्तु लब्धं भर्तृकुलात्स्त्रिया । अन्वाधेयं तदुक्तं तु लभ्दं बन्धुकुलात्तथा ।। ८९९ ।।

ऊर्ध्वं लब्धं तु यत्किंचित्संस्कारात्प्रीतितः स्त्रिया । भर्तुः पित्रोः सकाशाद्वा अन्वाधेयं तु तद्भृगुः ।। ९०० ।।[11]

vivāhātparato yattu labdhaṁ bhartr̥kulātstriyā । anvādheyaṁ taduktaṁ tu labhdaṁ bandhukulāttathā ।। 899 ।।

ūrdhvaṁ labdhaṁ tu yatkiṁcitsaṁskārātprītitaḥ striyā । bhartuḥ pitroḥ sakāśādvā anvādheyaṁ tu tadbhr̥guḥ ।। 900 ।।

Meaning: Whatever is obtained by a woman after marriage from the family of her husband and also what is similarly obtained from the family of her (father's) kinsmen is said to be anvadheya (subsequent gift). Whatever is obtained by a woman through affection after her marriage from her husband or from her parents is Anvadheya. This is the view of Bhrgu. While the Patyadatta type of Stridhana enumerated by Manusmrti is the gift given to a woman by her husband as a token of his love. It is interesting to note that Narada Smrti also enlist 6 types of Stridhana viz. Adhyagni, Adhyavahanika, Bhartrdaya, Bhratrdatta, Matrdatta and Pitrdatta.[7]

अध्यग्न्यध्यावहनिकं भर्तृदायस्तथैव च । भ्रातृमातृपितृभ्यश्च षड्विधं स्त्रीधनं स्मृतम् । । १३.८ । ।[12] adhyagnyadhyāvahanikaṁ bhartr̥dāyastathaiva ca । bhrātr̥mātr̥pitr̥bhyaśca ṣaḍvidhaṁ strīdhanaṁ smr̥tam । । 13.8 । ।

The only difference between the list in Manusmrti and Katyayana Smrti versus that of the Narada Smrti is the use of the term Bhartrdaya instead of Pritidatta. And the term bhartrdaya commonly refers to a women's share in the partition of her husband's wealth. Also, these lists dont mean that the illustration of Stridhana is restricted to the number six. Infact, Mitakshara, the commentary on Yajnavalkya Smrti states that the elaboration of sixfold property is not intended as a restriction of greater number. Rather, it should be understood as a denial of a lesser number. This is exhibited in the Vishnu Smrti that includes more than six categories in the interpretation Stridhana.[7]

पितृमातृसुतभ्रातृदत्तम्, अध्यग्न्युपागतम्, आधिवेदनिकं, बन्धुदत्तं, शुल्कम्, अन्वाधेयकं इति स्त्रीधनं । । १७.१८ । ।[13] pitr̥mātr̥sutabhrātr̥dattam, adhyagnyupāgatam, ādhivedanikaṁ, bandhudattaṁ, śulkam, anvādheyakaṁ iti strīdhanaṁ । । 17.18 । ।

Meaning: What is given to her by the father, mother, son, brother or what is received at the nuptial fire, what is received as a consolation fee for supersation, what is given by the kindreds as well as her perquisite and subsequent gifts - all this is her Stridhana. It is also interesting to note here that the Vishnu Smrti has mentioned the gift from the son as Stridhana and no other text except the Yajnavalkya Smrti has mentioned the same. The constituent features mentioned by Maharshi Yajnvalkya in the definition of Stridhana are[7]

पितृमातृसुतभ्रातृदत्तमध्यग्न्युपागतम् । आधिवेदनिकाद्यं च स्त्रीधनं परिकीर्तितम् ।।१४३।। बन्धुदत्तं तथा शुल्कमन्वाधेयकमेव च । ... १४४।।[14] pitr̥mātr̥sutabhrātr̥dattamadhyagnyupāgatam । ādhivedanikādyaṁ ca strīdhanaṁ parikīrtitam ।।143।। bandhudattaṁ tathā śulkamanvādheyakameva ca । ... 144।।

Meaning: What is given to a woman by the father, mother, son or brother or received by her at the nuptial fire, as also that which was presented to her on her husband's marriage to another woman and any other is denominated as a woman's property. That which has been given to her by her kinsmen as well as her fees or gratuity or anything bestowed after marriage. According to the Mitakshara commentary on Yajnavalkya Smrti, the word Adya after Adhivedanika covers the property which she may have acquired by inheritance, purchase, partition, seizure or finding.[7]

रिक्थक्रयसंविभागपरिग्रहाधिगमप्राप्तम् एतत्स्त्रीधनम् ।[15] rikthakrayasaṁvibhāgaparigrahādhigamaprāptam etatstrīdhanam ।

While Bandhudatta is interpreted, in the Mitakshara, as gift from kinsmen from mother's side as well as from father's side. However, the word shulka is interpreted in various ways. According to Katyayana Smrti,

गृहोपस्करवाह्यानां दोह्याभरणकर्मिणाम् । मूल्यं लब्धं तु यत्किंचिच्शुल्कं तत्परिकीर्तितम् ।। ८९८ ।।[11] gr̥hopaskaravāhyānāṁ dohyābharaṇakarmiṇām । mūlyaṁ labdhaṁ tu yatkiṁcicśulkaṁ tatparikīrtitam ।। 898 ।।

Meaning: That is declared to be shulka which is obtained as a price of household utensils, of beasts of burden, of milch cattle, ornament and slaves. The Apararka commentary on Yajnavalkya Smrti finally states that

अन्यदपि यत्स्त्रीस्वामिकं तत्स्त्रीधनम् ।[14] anyadapi yatstrīsvāmikaṁ tatstrīdhanam ।

Meaning: Other things also, that belong to the woman is termed Stridhana.[7]

Speaking of the rules of succession to Stridhana, Manusmrti says that the wealth obtained from the husband's family during marriage and that given by the husband himself as a token of love belongs to her progeny incase the woman dies while her husband is still alive. And if there is no offspring, the wealth belongs either to her husband or father. However, it emphasizes that any wealth given to a woman by her father shall belong to her daughter or the child of her daughter.[10][16]

अन्वाधेयं च यद्दत्तं पत्या प्रीतेन चैव यत् । पत्यौ जीवति वृत्तायाः प्रजायास्तद्धनं भवेत् । । ९.१९५ । ।

... अप्रजायां अतीतायां भर्तुरेव तदिष्यते । । ९.१९६ । । ... अप्रजायां अतीतायां मातापित्रोस्तदिष्यते । । ९.१९७ । ।

स्त्रियां तु यद्भवेद्वित्तं पित्रा दत्तं कथं चन । ब्राह्मणी तद्धरेत्कन्या तदपत्यस्य वा भवेत् । । ९.१९८ । ।[4]

anvādheyaṁ ca yaddattaṁ patyā prītena caiva yat । patyau jīvati vr̥ttāyāḥ prajāyāstaddhanaṁ bhavet । । 9.195 । ।

... aprajāyāṁ atītāyāṁ bhartureva tadiṣyate । । 9.196 । । ... aprajāyāṁ atītāyāṁ mātāpitrostadiṣyate । । 9.197 । ।

striyāṁ tu yadbhavedvittaṁ pitrā dattaṁ kathaṁ cana । brāhmaṇī taddharetkanyā tadapatyasya vā bhavet । । 9.198 । ।

In fact, the rule of succession to Stridhana, that it would go to daughters alone is also hinted elsewhere in the Manusmrti.[1]

मातुस्तु यौतकं यत्स्यात्कुमारीभाग एव सः ।...९.१३१[4] mātustu yautakaṁ yatsyātkumārībhāga eva saḥ ।...9.131

Here, the term 'Yautaka' refers to the separate property of a woman; of which she alone is the sole owner. Thus, some apply it to what she receives at marriage. While some also apply it to the savings that a young woman makes out of what she receives from her husband for her clothing and ornaments and also for the household expenses.

Gautama also adds that the property descends to her daughters who are unmarried and unsettled. Wherein, unsettled also stands for those who, though married are childless, and without any property of their own, not having obtained a footing in the house of their husbands.[16]

Furthermore, Manusmrti clearly indicates that those relations who, in their folly, live on the properties of women, their conveyances and clothes (stridhana), are committing papa (पापम्) and thus, suffer downfall.[1][17]

स्त्रीधनानि तु ये मोहादुपजीवन्ति बान्धवाः । नारी यानानि वस्त्रं वा ते पापा यान्त्यधोगतिम् । । ३.५२ । ।[3] strīdhanāni tu yē mōhādupajīvanti bāndhavāḥ । nārī yānāni vastraṁ vā tē pāpā yāntyadhōgatim । । 3.52 । ।

It is interesting to note that Sarvajnanarayana, in his commentary on Manusmrti called Manvarthavivrti interprets the word Stridhana in a different manner. He refers to it as the wealth received by the parents of the bride given to them by the bridegroom.

स्त्रिदाननिमित्ते प्राप्तानि धनानि । २.५२ । stridānanimitte prāptāni dhanāni । 2.52 ।[7]

संयुक्तकुटुम्बेषु स्त्रीणाम् अधिकाराः ॥ Rights of Women in Joint Family

Within the joint family, male members upto three lineal descendants form a coparcenary. Though women were not admitted to the membership of this coparcenary, they were members of the joint family. And thus, the law gave them the right to a share equal to 'one fourth of the share of the brothers' at partition though they were not given the right to compel partition.

पत्नीनाम् अधिकारः ॥ Right of Wives

Yajnavalkya Smrti states that wives are entitled to a share 'equal to that of sons' at a partition. But the share is liable to be reduced by the amount of stridhana given by the husband or the father-in-law, if any, in their possession.[1] It says,

यदि कुर्यात्समानंशान्पत्न्यः कार्याः समांशिकाः । न दत्तं स्त्रीधनं यासां भर्त्रा वा श्वशुरेण वा । । २.११५ । ।[18] yadi kuryātsamānaṁśānpatnyaḥ kāryāḥ samāṁśikāḥ । na dattaṁ strīdhanaṁ yāsāṁ bhartrā vā śvaśurēṇa vā । । 2.115 । ।

This rule recognized the right to share in favour of a wife and if there was more than one wife, all the wives were entitled to equal shares. Also, the amount of Stridhana to be taken into account for the purpose of reducing the share was only that which was given by the husband or the father-in-law.

जननीनाम् अधिकारः ॥ Right of Mothers

The provision for financial security of the wife as mentioned above is also reiterated to the sons in the context of their mothers as follows:

समांशहारिणी माता | samāṁśahāriṇī mātā |

Meaning : Mother is an Equal Sharer.

समांशहारिणी मातेति वचनात् मातृपदस्य जननीपरत्वात् न | सपत्नीमातृपरत्वमपि सकृत् श्रुतस्य मुख्यगौणत्वानुपपत्तेः || (Smriti Chandrika) samāṁśahāriṇī mātēti vacanāt mātr̥padasya jananīparatvāt na | sapatnīmātr̥paratvamapi sakr̥t śrutasya mukhyagauṇatvānupapatteḥ ||

Meaning: The expression 'mother' includes the step-mother, i.e., the other wives, if any, of the father. Their share was, however, liable to be reduced to the extent of stridhana in their possession. Because of this rule, the rights of paternal grandmother or step-grandmother were also similar.[1] Infact, the Manusmrti states that the property of a childless son shall be inherited by his mother. And in the absence of the mother, it shall be received by the father's mother.[16]

अनपत्यस्य पुत्रस्य माता दायं अवाप्नुयात् । मातर्यपि च वृत्तायां पितुर्माता हरेद्धनम् । । ९.२१७ । ।[4] anapatyasya putrasya mātā dāyaṁ avāpnuyāt । mātaryapi ca vr̥ttāyāṁ piturmātā hareddhanam । । 9.217 । ।

पुत्रीणाम् भगिनीरुपे अधिकारः ॥ Right of Daughters as Sisters

Daughters, whose marriages had taken place before partition, did not have right in the coparcenary property of their parents' joint family. However, as unmarried daughters, their share in the coparcenary property was recognised.[1]

स्वेभ्योऽंशेभ्यस्तु कन्याभ्यः प्रदद्युर्भ्रातरः पृथक् । स्वात्स्वादंशाच्चतुर्भागं पतिताः स्युरदित्सवः । । ९.११८ । ।[4] svēbhyō'ṁśēbhyastu kanyābhyaḥ pradadyurbhrātaraḥ pr̥thak । svātsvādaṁśāccaturbhāgaṁ patitāḥ syuraditsavaḥ । । 9.118 । ।

Meaning : To maiden sisters, each of the brothers shall give out of his share, one-fourth part. Those who fail to give shall become patita (पतितः). However, while repeating the rule, Katyayana Smrti provides that in cases where the property is small, sons and unmarried daughters should share equally.[1]

कन्यकानां त्वदत्तानां चतुर्थो भाग इष्यते । पुत्राणां तु त्रयो भागाः साम्यं त्वल्पधने स्मृतम् ।। ८५८ ।।[19] kanyakānāṁ tvadattānāṁ caturtho bhāga iṣyate । putrāṇāṁ tu trayo bhāgāḥ sāmyaṁ tvalpadhane smr̥tam ।। 858 ।।

Explaining the import of this provision, it is said in a commentary on the Manusmrti named Medhatithi that when the property left for the brother and the sister is small and the one fourth part of the brother's share is not sufficient for the sister's maintenance, the sister shall obtain a share equal to her brother's until her marriage; after which she shall receive one fourth part of the share, even though it be small. As after marriage, she shall be taken care of by her husband.[16]

यत्र स्वल्पधनमस्ति भ्रातुर्भगिन्याश्च न चतुर्भागे कन्याया भरणं भवति तत्र समभागं कन्या हरेदासंस्कारात् । परतस्तु स्मृत्यन्तराच्चतुर्भागं गृह्णीयात् स्वल्पमपि कथं तर्हि... परतो बिभृयात् पतिरिति...[20] yatra svalpadhanamasti bhrāturbhaginyāśca na caturbhāge kanyāyā bharaṇaṁ bhavati tatra samabhāgaṁ kanyā haredāsaṁskārāt । paratastu smr̥tyantarāccaturbhāgaṁ gr̥hṇīyāt svalpamapi kathaṁ tarhi... parato bibhr̥yāt patiriti...

It is in this sense that it seems to have been said,

जीवति पितरि तदिच्छया मूल्येनापि धनेन संस्क्रियन्ते मृते त्वंशहरा इति...[20] jīvati pitari tadicchayā mūlyenāpi dhanena saṁskriyante mr̥te tvaṁśaharā iti...

Meaning: If the father is alive they (daughters) have their marriage performed at tremendous expense and if the father is dead, they obtain a share in the property.[16]

It is interesting to note here that the Hindu law governing inheritance and partition of joint family property continues to be in force subject to the modifications brought about by legislations. And as per the Hindu succession Act, 1955 a daughter is an equal sharer along with the son in the property of the father.[1]

पुत्रिकाणाम् अधिकारः ॥ Right of Only Daughters

Manusmrti mentions a practice of making one's daughter's son as one's heir in the absence of one's own son. Such a daughter, who has no brothers and whose son can be made her father's heir is known as Putrika.[16]

अपुत्रोऽनेन विधिना सुतां कुर्वीत पुत्रिकाम् । यदपत्यं भवेदस्यां तन्मम स्यात्स्वधाकरम् । । ९.१२७ । ।[4] aputro'nena vidhinā sutāṁ kurvīta putrikām । yadapatyaṁ bhavedasyāṁ tanmama syātsvadhākaram । । 9.127 । ।

The text mentions Daksha Prajapati as an example for this case and thereby, it is held that one may have more than one Putrika.[16]

दशेत्यादिलिङ्गादानेकपुत्रिकाकरणमपीच्छन्ति ॥१२९[20] daśetyādiliṅgādānekaputrikākaraṇamapīcchanti ॥129

In this very context the Manusmrti emphasises that the son is one's own self and the daughter is equal to the son. And as long as she exists, especially as a Putrika, no one else can take the father's property.[16]

यथैवात्मा तथा पुत्रः पुत्रेण दुहिता समा । तस्यां आत्मनि तिष्ठन्त्यां कथं अन्यो धनं हरेत् । । ९.१३० । ।[4] yathaivātmā tathā putraḥ putreṇa duhitā samā । tasyāṁ ātmani tiṣṭhantyāṁ kathaṁ anyo dhanaṁ haret । । 9.130 । ।

Implying that if at the time of the father's death, the Putrika has no child, she cannot be denied the right to inherit her father's property. But if a son happens to be born to her father after she has been declared as his Putrika (and thereby her son as her father's heir), the property is divided equally among the two.[16]

पुत्रिकायां कृतायां तु यदि पुत्रोऽनुजायते । समस्तत्र विभागः स्यात्.. । । ९.१३४ । ।[4] putrikāyāṁ kr̥tāyāṁ tu yadi putro'nujāyate । samastatra vibhāgaḥ syāt.. । । 9.134 । ।

दण्डविधिः ॥ Quantum of Penalty

Katyayana Smrti says that in case of all offences, only half of the punishment prescribed for a man should be imposed on a woman.[1]

सर्वेषु चापराधेषु पुंसो योऽर्थदमः स्मृतः । तदर्धं योषितो दद्युर्वधे पुंसोऽङ्ग कर्तनम् ।। ४८७ ।।[21] sarveṣu cāparādheṣu puṁso yo'rthadamaḥ smr̥taḥ । tadardhaṁ yoṣito dadyurvadhe puṁso'ṅga kartanam ।। 487 ।।

संहृतिः ॥ Synopsis

The provisions in the smrtis enlisted above dispel the doubts, criticisms and arguments that, according to Manusmrti, women were not entitled to freedom. On the other hand, they show that greater protection was given to women in the ancient laws. In fact, by placing the entire burden of maintaining the women on the father, the husband, and the son, the law totally freed her from earning and from contributing to the maintenance of the family, leaving her free to dedicate her entire time and energy to the upbringing of children, which was by itself an onerous responsibility.

This exposition can be completed best by quoting what Kerry Brown has stated in his book, "The Essential Teachings of Hinduism", having explored the meaning of the verses in Manusmrti. He says,

"In Hinduism a woman is looked after not because she is inferior or incapable but, on the contrary, because she is treasured. She is the pride and power of the society. Just as the crown jewels should not be left unguarded, neither should a woman be left unprotected. No extra burden of earning a living should be placed on women who already bear huge responsibilities in society; childbirth; child care, domestic well being and adhyatmik growth. She is the transmitter of culture to her children."

Today, it is no doubt true that times have changed. We have women who are competent in various professions, avocations, competent in business, who are competent political rulers, bureaucrats, technocrats, advocates, judges and so on. But that is no reason to lose sight of the onerous responsibility on women of looking after the health and education of children or to forget the noble value of looking upon every woman as one's mother as that is the only powerful antidote for atrocities against women. Thus, the important role played by women in the society is aptly acknowledged then and now.[1][2]

References

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 Justice Mandagadde Rama Jois (1997), Dharma: The Global Ethic, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 M.Rama Jois (2004), Trivarga, Mumbai: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Manusmrti, Adhyaya 3.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 Manusmrti, Adhyaya 9.
  5. Manusmrti, Adhyaya 2
  6. Katyayana Smrti, Bhukti
  7. 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 L. S. Deodhar (2010), Concept of the right of Stridhana in the Smrtis in Bulletin of the Deccan College Research Institute (Vol. 70/71), Pune: Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, p.349–357.
  8. Agniveshya Grhyasutra, Prashna 1.
  9. Arthashastra, Adhikarana 3, Adhyaya 2
  10. 10.0 10.1 Girija Prasad Dvivedi (1917), The Manusmriti, Lucknow: Newal Kishore Press.
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Katyayana Smrti, Stridhana lakshanam Stridhana Prakara
  12. Narada Smrti, Vyavaharapadani, Dayabhaga
  13. Vishnu Smrti, Adhyaya 17
  14. 14.0 14.1 Yajnavalkya Smrti (1904), Pune: Anandashram
  15. Vasudev Laxman Shastri Panshikar (1936), Yadnyavalkyasmriti of Yogishvara Yadnyavalkya with the commentary of Mitakshara of Vidnyaneshvara, Bombay: Nirnaya Sagar Press.
  16. 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 16.6 16.7 16.8 Ganganath Jha (1920-39), Manusmrti (Vol.7), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited.
  17. Ganganath Jha (1920-39), Manusmrti (Vol.4), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Limited.
  18. Yajnavalkya Smrti, Vyavaharadhyaya, Dayavibhaga Prakaranam.
  19. Katyayana Smrti, Daya Vibhaga.
  20. 20.0 20.1 20.2 Vishvanath Narayan Mandlik (1886), Manava Dharma Sastra, Bombay: Ganpat Krishnaji's Press
  21. Katyayana Smrti, Danda Vidhi.