Status of Women in the Vedic Age

The meaning of the word ' Veda ' is knowledge. Women were revered and given a place of honour in the Rigvedic period. Various evils of society like the Purdah system, Sati, child marriage, etc. had yet not crept in. In the absence of a male heir, the daughter had a legal right over the property of her father. The brothers had to share the property of their father with their unmarried sisters, if any. After marriage, the girl was given a place of honour and respect in her new home. She had authority over her aged father - in- law and mother- in- law. No social or religious ceremony was considered to be complete and effective without the participation of the lady of the house.