Women's Rights and Law Codes in Early India, 600 BCE-570 ACE

This book explores the first eight Sanskrit law codes written in India between 600 BCE and 570 ACE, focusing on the legal, religious, and ethical customs that shaped women's social and political lives. It analyzes texts such as the Dharma Sūtras, Arthaśāstra, Manu Smṗiti, Yājňyavalkya Smṗiti, and Nārada Smṗiti, and examines how patrimonial laws and male property rights subordinated women and the lower varnas. The chapters also explore heterodox Therāvada Buddhism and Jainism, their origins in the oligarchic state, and their impact on the royal Sanskritic state, particularly on women's roles.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 13 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the examination of the first eight Sanskrit law codes, which were written in India between 600 BCE and 570 ACE. It specifically focuses on the legal, religious, and ethical customs that were codified during this period and their profound impact on the social and political life of women. The book analyzes a range of texts, including the Dharma Sūtras, the Arthaśāstra, the Manu Smŗiti, the Yājňyavalkya Smŗiti, and the Nārada Smŗiti, among others. Through its in-depth analysis, the volume explores discourses on justice, conduct, virtues, and duties, shedding light on how early laws were employed to establish and maintain patriarchy and the varna caste system in South Asia.

The book also examines how patrimonial laws and male property rights perpetuated social anxieties about female chastity and varna lineage, ultimately leading to the subordination of women and the lower varnas. These anxieties were particularly prominent during the late Vedic and early classical eras, as diverse new settlers arrived upon the subcontinent. At this time, kings decentralized governance and allowed local groups to practice communal laws, while court justice was administered with a specific law code. As the state experienced prosperity through trade conducted by merchants from diverse castes, sects, and classes, and social peace was maintained by officials from different backgrounds, kings began to prioritize equity over intolerance.

The chapters in this volume examine heterodox Therāvada Buddhism and Jainism, their origins in the oligarchic state, their influence on the royal Sanskritic state, as depicted in canonical literature. They particularly focus on the roles of women in these heterodox sects and the emergence of new spaces for women as these changes were adopted in varying ways and degrees by other South Asian communities.

This volume is an invaluable resource for students and researchers in the fields of history, women and gender studies, sociology, and more. It provides a deep understanding of the historical context and societal dynamics that shaped the lives of women in ancient India and offers valuable insights into the ongoing struggle for gender equality and social justice.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 154 x 234 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367496920