Ancient India was known for its rich cultural heritage and diversity. We always talk about India’s ancient architecture and artifacts. However, nobody mentions about the lifestyle of the bygone people, their mentality and the way they used to think. No doubt India has modernized, diversified and expanded in terms of inventions, but when it comes to the mindset we’ve become too shallow and narrow. I hope you agree with me here.You’ll be shocked to know that the primitive India was way too very broad than the modern India. To support this, I’ve compiled a few facts that’ll prove this statement. Recommended Story: 11 Things We Love About India
1. Ancient women had liberty to earn money and spend it the way they liked.
According to Manusmriti, there was no restriction on women to work
and earn money. They enjoyed equal status as men. They were not
answerable to anyone on how they spend money. They lived the life the
way they wanted to. It’s sad to know that today’s scenario is completely
changed.
2. In ancient times, men were not allowed to beat his wife and women were never forced to have sex.
According to Mahabharata, women enjoyed high status in the society.
They were never forced to have sex. If she did not want to get intimate,
nobody could force her. Unlike today when women are sexually harassed
and abused.
3. Women had full control over their life. They had freedom of choosing their own life partner.
Unlike today when girls are forced to marry the guy of parent’s
choice, the ancient women had full control over their life. They were
given full freedom to choose their life partner. She could also opt to
remain a spinster.
4. People used to talk freely about sex.
People were so broad that they used to talk freely about sex. In
ancient India, sex was never considered taboo. Today, people find sex to
be offensive.
5. Even if there was no hymen, her virginity was never questioned.
Today, it’s believed that virginity is the best gift that women can give to her spouse. But
this was not the case before. There was no issue created if women’s
hymen was impaired. Even if there was no hymen, her virginity was never
questioned.
6. Women were allowed to study Vedas, sacred texts etc. They could even choose to be an Acharya or teacher.
Ancient women were allowed to read sacred texts. They used to lead
the religious assemblies. In the Rig Veda society, women enjoyed the
free and esteemed position.
7. There was no gender bias in the field of literature.
The role of ancient women in the field of literature was immense.
There were many learned ladies during that time. There were a few women
who did not marry and studied Vedas. According to Jain texts, women were
allowed to remain a spinster and study religion and philosophy.
8. Ancient women were very brave and talented. They ruled the kingdom.
Ancient women were considered better administrators. They enjoyed
prominent positions in politics. Some of the examples are Pravabati,
Rudramdevi, Rani Chennamma and many more.
9. Ancient women had right to remarry if their partner was impotent or had died.
During the kingdom of Chandragupta Maurya, women were allowed to
remarry. Sati was not practiced. Women had full right to live life after
her husband’s death.
10. The art that displayed sexual acts of love was never criticized.
10. The art that displayed sexual acts of love was never criticized.
The sexual acts of love which were displayed on the walls of temples
were never questioned. People had open views and thoughts about that.
Some of the great pieces of work can be seen by us today on the walls of
Khajuraho and Markandeswar temples.
11. Unlike today, daughters and sons were given equal rights to look after their parents.
