Report No. 66
3.45. Views as to dependence.-
We are not unaware that there are to be found, in some of the Smritis, texts which spoke of the subordination of women or which expressed views to the effect that women deserve dependence1 or that women do not attain independence. In this connection, it is pointed out that, in those very smritis, there are also to be found texts which uphold the honour and respect that is due to women.2-3 Apart from that, it may be that, in the course of time, the sentiments regarding the proper status of women went on fluctuating-which accounts for the fact that views at both extremes are met with in the sacred texts.
1. (a) Yajnavalkya, 1.85;
(b) Manu IX, 3;
(c) Baudhayana II, 3.44.
2. Vasishtha V. 3.
3. Yajnavalkya 1.82.
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