The Status of Women in Hindu Society: From Ancient to Modern Era

Abstract

The women enjoy the status in Hindu society is an interesting study in itself. They enjoyed great and considerable respect during Rik Vedic Age. After some time their position considerably went down. Women in ancient India enjoyed considerably high respect. The origin of Buddhism has been treated as reaction to Hinduism. In the Buddhist period the status of women improved a little, though there was no tremendous change. In the religious field women came to occupy a distinctly superior place. The status of women in Hindu society was the lowest during the medieval period. The 1920’s was a new era for Indian women. It was responsible for creation of localized women’s associations. Women in our society are now considerably awakened. They are not prepared to accept a low social status or to merely be a source of recreation for men to produce children. The conditions of women in free India have very much changed. She has got political rights. She is taking part in national politics. Education among women is widespread. Her social status is going up many legislative measures. Women in India are now making demands on our society.  They are now conscious of cruelties being inflicted on them. Before conclude I would like to say that it making women aware of their rights in the rural areas requires a different type of planning and approach than making women aware of rights in the urban areas. Only this conjunctive approach can get justice to women in our society.