The image of women in Hinduism

Lively discussions on the nature of women went on for a very long time in ancient India. Women were so virtuous that they outnumbered men in heaven. God therefore spread vices among women to make heaven secure for men alone. Mythically conceived, as it is, the concept of dependence of women on men and their faithfulness and servility to husbands was deeply implanted in society. Legendary characters like Sita, Savitri and Parvati, all noted for their devotion to and dependence on husbands were eulogised and kept alive not only by the media but also by the national leaders. Although there were reputable women philosophers, teachers, poets and thinkers, none of them is a model for Hindu women. From the time a male heir became essential for the inheritance and concentration of personal property, and also for the continuance of the lineage, women served only as a means through which these were to be achieved: it is ideal wifehood and not ideal womanhood that Hindus upheld through the ages. In spite of recent legislation in India recognising women's independent entity, the over-all economic conditions of the country makes the dependent image of women still relevant today.