What are the position of the women in early Vedic age
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The Vedic period is divided into 2; namely the Early Vedic period which starts from 2000 BC and continues till 1000 BC. And the Later Vedic period which starts from 1000 BC and lasts till 600 BC. The main source of information for Early Vedic p
During the Vedic Age the condition of women was far different than that of today. There was a difference in the conditions of women in Early and Later vedic period. In Early Vedic period, there was no discrimination between man and a woman. Sometimes the birth of a girl child was desired as can be seen from some texts in Rigveda asking for a birth of girl child. The birth of a female was not seen as a curse. Girls were treated with kindness and consideration. Their education was not neglected. They were sent to Gurukulas to master various subjects such as theology, philosophy, medicine, etc. Initiation ceremony or Upanayana ceremony was performed for girls as well. It was believed that if a girl is initiated into vedic studies then she would have a successful married life. It was a must for a girl to gain knowledge.
Prominent Women During Early Vedic Period-
There were 2 categories of students. Brahmavadinis and Satyavadinis. Brahmavadinis were women who devoted their life in learning and chose not to get married. Their sole object and purpose of life was to acquire knowledge. Brahmavadinis never married and remained lifelong students. They became prophets and have contributed numerous hymns in Rig Veda. Prominent among them are Ghosa, Apala, Visvara, etc. Ghosha has written 2 suktas (hymns) in Rig Veda. Ghosha has also mentioned women warriors called Vadhrimati and Vishapala. Apala was a daughter of Maharshi Atri and was discarded by her husband due to a skin disease which prevented hair growth. She underwent penance to please Lord Indra who gave her boons, one among which cured her of her skin disease. Apala has also contributed few hymns in Rig Veda praising Lord Indra. Visvavara has written hymns in Rig Veda praising Agni Devata. Along with these women, there are other women who have contributed to Rig Veda such as Gargi, Pratitheyi, Maitreyi, Lopamudra. Gargi was a philosopher and in the court of King Janaka, in front of Assembly of Philosophers Gargi asked two questions to Yajnavalakya who was a great scholar of the time. He could not give answers to Gargi’s questions. Maitreyi was wife of Yajnavalakya who was also a law-giver. He wanted to divide his wealth between his two wives but Maitreyi asked him for his knowledge rather than his wealth. Yajnavalakya transferred his knowledge to Maitreyi who became a great scholar. Lopamudra was a Kshatrani and a daughter of King of Vidarbha. She was married to Agastya rishi. After her marriage, she had complains about her husband who spent most of his time in austerity. Answering her complaints, Agastya explained the duties of husband to his wife. Hymns by Lopamudra are present in Rig Veda. This shows that women were respected and treated with high regard. They did not have any restrictions upon education. They could remain Brahmavadinis whole life and pursue knowledge. They could become rishis, authors, poets and teachers according to their preference.
During the Vedic Age the condition of women was far different than that of today. There was a difference in the conditions of women in Early and Later vedic period. In Early Vedic period, there was no discrimination between man and a woman. Sometimes the birth of a girl child was desired as can be seen from some texts in Rigveda asking for a birth of girl child. The birth of a female was not seen as a curse. Girls were treated with kindness and consideration. Their education was not neglected. They were sent to Gurukulas to master various subjects such as theology, philosophy, medicine, etc. Initiation ceremony or Upanayana ceremony was performed for girls as well. It was believed that if a girl is initiated into vedic studies then she would have a successful married life. It was a must for a girl to gain knowledge.
Prominent Women During Early Vedic Period-
There were 2 categories of students. Brahmavadinis and Satyavadinis. Brahmavadinis were women who devoted their life in learning and chose not to get married. Their sole object and purpose of life was to acquire knowledge. Brahmavadinis never married and remained lifelong students. They became prophets and have contributed numerous hymns in Rig Veda. Prominent among them are Ghosa, Apala, Visvara, etc. Ghosha has written 2 suktas (hymns) in Rig Veda. Ghosha has also mentioned women warriors called Vadhrimati and Vishapala. Apala was a daughter of Maharshi Atri and was discarded by her husband due to a skin disease which prevented hair growth. She underwent penance to please Lord Indra who gave her boons, one among which cured her of her skin disease. Apala has also contributed few hymns in Rig Veda praising Lord Indra. Visvavara has written hymns in Rig Veda praising Agni Devata. Along with these women, there are other women who have contributed to Rig Veda such as Gargi, Pratitheyi, Maitreyi, Lopamudra. Gargi was a philosopher and in the court of King Janaka, in front of Assembly of Philosophers Gargi asked two questions to Yajnavalakya who was a great scholar of the time. He could not give answers to Gargi’s questions. Maitreyi was wife of Yajnavalakya who was also a law-giver. He wanted to divide his wealth between his two wives but Maitreyi asked him for his knowledge rather than his wealth. Yajnavalakya transferred his knowledge to Maitreyi who became a great scholar. Lopamudra was a Kshatrani and a daughter of King of Vidarbha. She was married to Agastya rishi. After her marriage, she had complains about her husband who spent most of his time in austerity. Answering her complaints, Agastya explained the duties of husband to his wife. Hymns by Lopamudra are present in Rig Veda. This shows that women were respected and treated with high regard. They did not have any restrictions upon education. They could remain Brahmavadinis whole life and pursue knowledge. They could become rishis, authors, poets and teachers according to their preference.
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Explanation:
According to available vedic literature, in early vedic age woman enjoyed a position of respect and esteem and there was a gradual decline in the status of woman in later Vedic period. There was no seclusion or purdah system, woman moved freely and participated in the public feasts and festivals.
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