Question

Why were woman and children often discouraged from reading novel in the early decades of the 20th century in India ?

Answer 1

So basically they weren't allowed to read or write, as due to cultural beliefs, it would bring bad luck to the family. *That's in case of India, btw.*

Else, there were people who believed that women would create their own fantasies and may create a barricade between the male person in the family and his business. That's another reason why women weren't allowed to work in places where men did.