The Indian cultural traditions begins with the Vedas. It is generally believed that that the Vedic period spread over from 3000 B.C to 600 B.C. Some general observation and broad generalizations can only be made regarding the status of women during this vast period. 1. Freedom Enjoyed by Women : The degree of freedom given to women to move about and take part in public activities gives a good idea of the nature of the status enjoyed by women. Literary and historical researches have reveled that women held a position of equality with men during Vedic period. Women never observed 'purdah' in the Vedic and the Epic periods. They enjoyed freedom in areas such as education, marriage, economic production, spending money, religious activities etc. They enjoyed freedom in selecting their mates. Widows were permitted to remarry. 2.Equal Educational Opportunities for Women : Though male children were preferred to female children, daughter were never ill-treated. They also received education like boys and went through the 'Brahmacharya' discipline including the "Upanayana" ritual. Women studied the Vedic literature like men. 3.Economic Production and Occupational Freedom : Vedic women had economic freedom. They did not serve as occupants of some professions and earn wages only because it was not necessary for them. Home was the place of production. Spinning and weaving of clothes were done a home. Women however, helped their husbands in agricultural pursuits. Some women were engaged in teaching works. 4.Property Rights and Inheritance : In property matters, there were disparities between men and women. Women's rights were very much limited in inheriting property. A daughter had no share in her father's property; but each unmarried daughter was entitled to one-fourth share of patrimony received by her brothers. Women had control over their "sridhan" (gifts and property etc. received by a woman at the time of marriage) but the bulk of the family property was under the control and management of the patriarch. Later vedic texts expressly declared tat women had no right of inheritance as they were weak. 5. Role in the Religious Field : In the religious field, wife enjoyed full rights and regularly participated in the religious ceremonies with her husband. Vedic religious ceremonies and sacrifices were performed jointly by the husband and the wife. Women even participated actively in religious discourses. Women could offer "sandhya" and even perform sacrifices by themselves in the absence of their husbands. The Rishis used to teach the sacred scriptures to their wives and there was no bar for women to read or study any of our sacred literature. 6.Role of Women in Public Life : There are no traces of the seclusion of women in Vedic society. They could move freely in the company of their husbands or lovers. Women could shine as debaters in public assemblies. They usually occupied a prominent place in social gatherings, lending charm to them by their graceful dress. Women's participation in public meetings and debates, however became less and less common in the later Vedic period. In conclusion, it could be said that women in India during the ancient age particularly in the Vedic age had an honourable place.They inherited and possessed property; they took share in sacrifices and religious duties; they attended great assemblies and state occasions; they also distinguished themselves in sciences and learning at their times. Considered as Intellectual companions of their husbands, as friends and loving helpers in the journey of life of their partners, in their religious duties and the centre of their domestic bliss, Hindu wives were honoured and respected in ancient times.
