Women In Ancient India; In Accordance with the Scriptures

25 Aug, 2020 18:10:17, by:Aradhya Chaturvedi

There is a general tendency amongst the people to believe that the Ancient Indian texts, usually discriminate against women, but the picture, in reality, is almost opposite to this misconception. The Vedas and other texts, mostly glorify women and always talk about the protection of their rights. These ancient texts have discussed, in great detail, women’s role, be it cultural, political, economic or social, their statutory rights, and their status in the society.

The Atharvaveda declares that “a woman should behave like an Empress in front of her in-laws” (Atharvaveda 14.1.44: सम्राज्ञ्येधि श्वशुरेषु सम्राज्ञ्‌‌युत देवृषु। ननान्दुः सम्राज्ञ्‌येधि सम्राज्ञ्युत श्वश्रवाः।।). The oldest Sanskrit text, the Rigveda contains the earliest reference of prosthesis (the replacement of a body part with an artificial one). Interestingly, Ashwini Kumaras (Lord of Medicine), gave a prosthetic leg to the Warrior Queen Vishpala, who lost her leg during the battle of Khela ( Rigveda 1.116.15: खे॒लस्य॒ परि॑तक्म्यायां । स॒द्यो जंघा॒माय॑सीं वि॒श्पला॑यै॒ धने॑ हि॒ते सर्त॑वे॒ प्रत्य॑धत्तं ॥).

The Rigveda not only contain mentions of such women in copious, but in fact, many composers of the Rigveda (traditionally, ‘recievers’ as Vedas are not written by a person and are considered words of God) were themselves women. These women were called “Rishikas”. They include Lopamudra (लोपामुद्रा), who was a great philosopher, the wife of Rishi Agastya and composer of many parts of the not only the Rigveda but also other Vedas and religious texts. Other Rishikas are Mamta (ममता), Vishvavara (विश्ववारा), Apala (अपाला), Surya (सूर्या), Ghosha (घोषा), Vak (वाक्), who have contributed greatly in composing the Vedas.

A well-known phrase यत्र नार्यस्तु पूज्यन्ते रमन्ते तत्र देवताः, belonging to the Manusmriti (3.56), the text which is always considered discriminatory to women and backward classes, means that “the Devatas (God) reside at the place where women are regarded”. Another verse from Manusmriti means that “The family in which women are unhappy and subjected to sufferings, will perish very soon. On the other hand, where the women remain happy, that family thrives forever” (Manusmriti 3.57: शोचन्ति जामयो यत्र विनश्यत्याशु तत्कुलम्। न शोचन्ति तु यत्रैता वर्धते तद्धि सर्वदा।।). The Manusmriti also lays down severe and terrible punishments for crime against women.

This is a mere reflection of the ancient Indian civilization, apart from these examples, there is a plethora of other such mentions found in a variety of texts and scriptures, that stress upon the glory and greatness of the women of the society. It is now that the international society has become concerned with women’s rights and has termed words like ‘feminism’ to express their support for women, which the ancient Indian civilization has been doing for centuries now.

जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी!

Mother and Motherland are higher than heaven!

Women In Ancient India; In Accordance with the Scriptures

Arogya Niketan : Ayurveda Health Center : Late PadmaShri Vaidya Suresh Chaturvedi

Arogya Niketan : Charitable Services for better health through Ayurveda by Late PadmaShri Vaidya Suresh Chaturvedi : Founder Arogya Sansthan Trust

Hold on - This is winnable

PM was forthright in his message and clearly stated that we have to now live with Corona. We will follow all precautions, like physical distancing, cleaning of hands at regular intervals, and use of masks and commence our normal activities to ensure livelihood. These will become the part of our routine for next few months till a vaccine and treatment for Corona virus is found.

Poem - बेटी - क्यों ऐसा मेरे साथ किया

Mother’s day, the day to celebrate the day of creator

With the times people have started realising that it is not a bad thing if you shed tears while thinking your mother.

Animation and Rap on Coronavirus

Metro Ride

A keen observation of life inside a Metro train by regular commuter where small details have so much hidden social messaging.

Great Consciousness

The thing about a great realisation is that it flips your perceptions for life, makes you dive into your deep subconscious.

GEN-Z AND RELIGION

It is a rather common misconception to think that religion has to do with god, or gods and supernatural beings or a supernatural or spiritual dimension or greater reality. None of that is absolutely necessary because there are religions that are without those elements.

Kashmir: The anecdote of a modern woman

A demon in disguise of suitor (Pakistan)is after her life and has made her life hell. He wants to destroy her, overpower her but look at her kindness, she despite knowing it all, feeds him with water and makes his survival possible.

जली को आग कहते हैं, बुझी को राख कहते हैं, जिस राख से फेफड़े कंडम हो, उसे फ्लेवर्ड हुक्के का धुँआ कहते हैं।

Hukka are made to look cool but they kill with impunity. Youngster are being sucked into this vortex of suicidal cult.

Hate Crimes : their nature and laws connected with them

Hate crimes or Bias-Motivated crime as the name suggests are Psychological in nature. This is because Discrimination or Social Bias is a Psychological term. They have a wide range of psychological consequences.

निर्वरतिकरण का पशुओं पर प्रभाव

Deforestation if forcing animals out of their natural habitat posing danger for both these hapless creatures and the mankind

Assault on Press Freedom-"systematic erosion of Democracy"

"Freedom of the Press, if it means anything at all, means the freedom to criticize and oppose." - George Orwell

रामायण एवं आज के नैतिक मूल्य

Ramayan has been guiding the mankind from time immemorial. Its call never diminishes on our collective conscience.

INDIA - THE RESILIENT & THE INDOMITABLE

Battles aren't just won by wars,especially the present one, but they're won by our resilience and indomitable will. And INDIA is a master in it.

India’s Education – A Wake up Call

This article is mainly related to the problems of our education system and how can we as a new generation can take small steps to make this learning journey more memorable for the children

HINDUISM: A WAY OF LIFE

Sanatan Dharm is basically a lifestyle that includes : Humanity, Vegetarianism, Peace, Patience, Forbearance, Self-restraint, Compassion, Honesty, Non-violence, belief in Karma and many more.

Wealth> Health?

Nearly 2900 people died in India during clinical trials of drugs conducted by various pharmaceutical companies from 2005–12, and compensation was paid in only 45 cases.