Economic Rights of Ancient Indian Women

Sukumari Bhattacharji A perusal of various ancient texts indicates that there has never been a time when women's labour at home, however heavy, was regarded as productive. Women's sole worth lay in their reproductive role and even there she was seen as the 'field', the 'harvest' belonging to the seed owner This article examines the literature of the Dharmasutra, including the two epics, briefly touches Buddhist and Jain literature and ends with a closer look at the later Dharmasastras, It focuses on the economic rights of maiden daughters, women at marriage, women after marriage, wives, widows, unchaste women and prostitutes.