Janani (The Declining Stature Of Women In Indian Society)

Abstract

From Atharv Veda: “Yatra naryastu pujyante ramante tatra Devata, yatraitaastu na pujyante sarvaastatrafalaah kriyaah” (which means where women are honored, divinity blossoms, and where women are dishonored, all actions, no matter how noble, remain unfruitful.). 
 Every Indian lad grows listening to this proverb all his life time. The ancient Indian Society allowed women to study and in fact, some women Philosophers like Lopamudra, Maitreyi, and Gargi were considered the leading scholars and could very well compete their male Philosophers in any philosophical and religious discussions. They were highly respected along with male counterparts of the time. Things have gone too far today. Atrocities to women are the very common headings of any newspaper in India.