The Changing Status of Women in Ancient India Retrospect and Prospect

Abstract

Gender discrimination or inequality is a patent fact in traditional culture of the developing countries. In India gender discrimination has been depicted in various ages of Indian history. The main purpose of this research paper is to acquire an understanding of the status of women in ancient India. In ancient times, the women were considered with respect and dignity. During the Rig Vedic era, (2500 B.C. to 1500 B.C.) however was the golden era as far as equality of women, their status and freedom are concerned. In Gurukul women studied with men and many women were well versed like Apala, Ghosha, Gargi, Maitreyi, Visvara etc. Women were free to select their grooms. They were actively associated with men with every social and religious rituals and ceremony she could move freely out of her house and enjoyed freedom of movement by attending fairs and festivals, sabhas and assembly of learned person. Girls were educated like boys and had to pass through a period of Brahmacharya. Many of them used to become distinguished poetess. In social and religious gatherings they occupied a prominent position. Women had an absolute equality with men in the eye of religion they could perform sacrifices independently and were not regarded as an impediment in religious pursuits(Altekar,A.S.1938,P.29).