Equal partners or silent witnesses? Women's rights in the ancient indian marital tradition

Abstract

This paper explores the theme of gender equality in ancient Indian marital traditions, focusing on the role of women as equal partners. The objective is to analyze how Vedic and early post-Vedic texts represented wives not as subordinates, but as saha-dharmachårinis spiritual and domestic equals. Using a qualitative textual approach, the study examines sources like the °Rgveda, Dharma‹åstra texts, and epics, to trace women’s ritual, emotional, and legal status within marriage. Findings reveal that early Indian thought honored women as co-owners of the household (dampatt?), protectors of dharma, and rightful heirs through Stridhana. Hymns, mantras, and legal codes all affirm their centrality in sustaining familial and social harmony. Despite later shifts towards patriarchy, the ideal of marital partnership endured. The paper concludes that early Indian traditions envisioned marriage as a balanced and reciprocal union, offering valuable insights into the historical roots of gender equity.