A Hindu woman in the bygone era had all the rights on par with a man. She could chant mantras from Vedas. She could attend the Gurukula (College), study various Shakas (Sections in Vedas), and become an expert in Mimamsa, the examination of Vedas. But, how, the same Hindu woman, who once rose to the highest pinnacle of education and learning, later, got reduced to the level of a bondwoman? The answer to the question was given by Babasaheb Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian constitution, in his book ‘The Rise and Fall of the Hindu Woman – Who was Responsible for it?
A Hindu woman in the bygone era had all the rights on par with a man. She could chant mantras from Vedas. She could attend the Gurukula (College), study various Shakas (Sections in Vedas), and become an expert in Mimamsa, the examination of Vedas. But, how, the same Hindu woman, who once rose to the highest pinnacle of education and learning, later, got reduced to the level of a bondwoman? The answer to the question was given by Babasaheb Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian constitution, in his book ‘The Rise and Fall of the Hindu Woman – Who was Responsible for it?
“Patanjali’s Maha Bhashya, the great commentary on the grammar of Panini, shows that women were teachers and they taught Vedas for girl students. Panini’s Astadhyayi, a treatise on Sanskrit grammar, bears testimony to the fact that women attended Gurukula. The stories of women entering into public discussions with men on most abstruse subjects of religion, philosophy, and metaphysics are by no means few” informs Ambedkar in his book.
At the same time, dear Babasaheb Ambedkar!, now you have to apologize to all women, for it is you that exposed the laws in an ancient book called Manusmriti attributed to Manu, the Hindu lawgiver.
Please apologize for quoting his opinions on the woman.
Ambedkar! While praising the Buddha for his advice to the Bhikkus to regard women as their mother, sister, and daughter, you accuse Manu of degrading women.
‘(When creating them) Manu allotted to women (a love of their) bed, (of their) seat and (of) ornament, impure desires, wrath, dishonesty, malice, and bad conduct. (Manusmriti IX (17)”
You also quote a few other laws that impose bondage on women from Manusmriti.
Day and night women must be kept in dependence
By the males (of) their (families), and if they attach
Themselves to sensual enjoyments, they must be
Kept under one’s control. (Manusmriti IX.2)
In childhood, a female must be subject to her father,
In youth to her husband, when her lord is dead,
to her sons; a woman must never be independent. (Manusmriti V. 148)
Through their passion for men, through their mutable temper, through natural heartlessness, they become disloyal towards their husbands; however, carefully they may be guarded in this (world). (Manusmriti IX. 15.)
II. 213. It is the nature of women to seduce men in this (world). For that reason, the wise are never unguarded in (the company of) females.
II. 214. For women are able to lead astray in (this) world not only a fool but even a learned man.
Could it be due to all such evil nature of the woman Manu says that even murdering her is a minor offence?
Quoting the 67th law in chapter XI of Manusmriti, you write in your book:
“‘Liquor, slaying women, Sudras, Vaishyas, or Kshatriyas, and atheists (are all) upatakas ( minor offences)’ Through the law, Manu was trying to establish that the Brahmin was superior to all these and only the killing of a Brahmin was Mahapataka ( Major offence). But why did he not apply the same rule to women? It is only because that a woman, in the eyes of Manu, was a thing of no value.”
Ambedkar, though your research is unquestionable, you must apologize to all women. You know the person who demands this apology now, is a great woman who has researched Manusmriti deeper than you.
“Patanjali’s Maha Bhashya, the great commentary on the grammar of Panini, shows that women were teachers and they taught Vedas for girl students. Panini’s Astadhyayi, a treatise on Sanskrit grammar, bears testimony to the fact that women attended Gurukula. The stories of women entering into public discussions with men on most abstruse subjects of religion, philosophy, and metaphysics are by no means few” informs Ambedkar in his book.
At the same time, dear Babasaheb Ambedkar!, now you have to apologize to all women, for it is you that exposed the laws in an ancient book called Manusmriti attributed to Manu, the Hindu lawgiver.
Please apologize for quoting his opinions on the woman.
Ambedkar! While praising the Buddha for his advice to the Bhikkus to regard women as their mother, sister, and daughter, you accuse Manu of degrading women.
‘(When creating them) Manu allotted to women (a love of their) bed, (of their) seat and (of) ornament, impure desires, wrath, dishonesty, malice, and bad conduct. (Manusmriti IX (17)”
You also quote a few other laws that impose bondage on women from Manusmriti.
Day and night women must be kept in dependence
By the males (of) their (families), and if they attach
Themselves to sensual enjoyments, they must be
Kept under one’s control. (Manusmriti IX.2)
In childhood, a female must be subject to her father,
In youth to her husband, when her lord is dead,
to her sons; a woman must never be independent. (Manusmriti V. 148)
Through their passion for men, through their mutable temper, through natural heartlessness, they become disloyal towards their husbands; however, carefully they may be guarded in this (world). (Manusmriti IX. 15.)
II. 213. It is the nature of women to seduce men in this (world). For that reason, the wise are never unguarded in (the company of) females.
II. 214. For women are able to lead astray in (this) world not only a fool but even a learned man.
Could it be due to all such evil nature of the woman Manu says that even murdering her is a minor offence?
Quoting the 67th law in chapter XI of Manusmriti, you write in your book:
“‘Liquor, slaying women, Sudras, Vaishyas, or Kshatriyas, and atheists (are all) upatakas ( minor offences)’ Through the law, Manu was trying to establish that the Brahmin was superior to all these and only the killing of a Brahmin was Mahapataka ( Major offence). But why did he not apply the same rule to women? It is only because that a woman, in the eyes of Manu, was a thing of no value.”
Ambedkar, though your research is unquestionable, you must apologize to all women. You know the person who demands this apology now, is a great woman who has researched Manusmriti deeper than you.