The Position of Women in Hindu Civilization

by Anant Sadashiv Altekar

The Position of Women in Hindu Civilization will enable the reader to understand the subject in true perspective, as it is based upon a critical and impartial survey of all the available data. The work not only surveys the position of Hindu women during the last four thousand years but also indicates the general lines on which the present day problems confronting them should be solved. The treatment is quite impartial; the limitations of the Hindu Civilization have not been passed over nor its excellences exaggerated, nor vice versa. The subject has never been treated with such realism, accuracy, impartiality and comprehensiveness. The general reader will find the book absorbingly interesting. The scholar will find it original and illuminating. The student of sociology will find it stimulating and indispensable.

Genres: History, India, Religion, Hinduism, Feminism, Nonfiction, Society

405 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1938

Reviews

[Ashish Iyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Position of Women in Hindu Civilization: From Prehistoric Times to the Present Day was likely the first comprehensive historical survey of the status of women in India. Focused primarily on the role of Hindu women within society, this engaging and informative work spans nearly four thousand years of Indian civilization. Altekar organizes the book around the key stages of a woman’s life covering themes such as childhood, education, marriage, widowhood, dress and ornaments, divorce, and property rights - offering a structured and thoughtful examination.

Importantly, the book does not portray women as passive recipients of societal and religious norms. On the contrary, it highlights their active participation in both social and religious life. Unlike in some Western societies where religion took centuries to even recognize that women had souls, Hindu civilization, as Altekar argues, has always been more complex and nuanced. Rather than indulging in simplistic criticisms of Indian society or glorifying colonial narratives, he sheds light on aspects of history often ignored or overlooked in mainstream accounts.

Altekar was a respected scholar, known for his meticulous approach and commitment to historical accuracy. His work reflects a deep respect for evidence and a sincere academic spirit. This is a foundational text, recommended for students of Indian history and anyone interested in feminism within the Indian context. It also serves as a valuable corrective to popular distortions and oversimplifications of India’s past. Altekar believed Indian history must be seen as a continuous, interconnected whole.

In addition to this work, be sure to explore his other notable titles, including State and Government in Ancient India, History of Benares, and Education in Ancient India.

[Ajay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on Position of women in Hindu Civilization. Book start from childhood till death covering various topics like ornament, education, marriage, divorce, widow, public life, dress, inheritance with various sub topics. It was really educating for me. I am so glad i read this book, i came to know so many things.

[Lasic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book if you want to understand position of Hindu women during those period.

Thanks to Ashish for recommending me this book.

[Zahen Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The value of this book is in its detailed description of ancient Indian sexual culture and gender parity. It also gives reasons for the decline of women in India, which contrary to popular opinion, started to take place before Islamic and British invasion. The book is not chronologically ordered, but chaptered by subtopic and how that subtopic evolved over time, which means you have to piece together your own historical understanding.

Also, a lot of Altekars solutions are outrageous when viewed in modern light. For example, he agrees that women should be educated up until 19-20, but only to be married off to carry out the "scientific management of the home" (paraphrasing). Keep in mind he wrote this in the 1930's, so these were progressive views for his time.

[Ganesh Babu.s · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book comes out with proof that ancient HINDU civilization had no gender disparity and it is in the middle that everything has changed. I could able to accept the proof provided about the prehistoric period, but the solution for the present issues as provided by the author doesn't seem to be so practical. However its a good read for everyone who wishes to know how our pre historic Hindu culture treated Women.