Women's Empowerment in the Vedic Age : A Review/ বৈদিক যুগে নারীর ক্ষমতায়ণ : একটি পর্যালোচনা

Abstract

The Vedic Age was a significant period in the development of Indian civilization and culture.There is some debate about the status of women in ancient India. Generally, it is said that women held a high position during the Vedic Age. Even though the birth of a daughter was not always welcomed in the patriarchal society, there was no negligence in her care and upbringing. Education for girls was also given due importance.

          Women like Ghosha, Apala, and Vishwavara composed Vedic hymns. In the Upanishadic era, philosophers like Gargi emerged, who even participated in debates with scholars like Yajnavalkya. Women of higher castes used to take part in rituals and sacrifices alongside their husbands. They also had rights to property and could remarry if they wished after their husband's death.

In the early Rigvedic period, marriage was not mandatory for women. The practice of sati (widow burning) did not exist at that time, and widow remarriage was accepted. There is no mention of sati or self-immolation in the Atharvaveda period either.

           In the early Rigvedic era, women were not confined to the home. We find names like Mudgalini and Vishpala, who even took part in wars. Women were regarded as Matridevi (divine mothers or embodiments of Shakti), symbols of exceptional tolerance and sacrifice, and thus they held an honored position in society. In epics and Puranas, women were also associated with property.