Significance of women at the time of Vedic Culture
After the Indus Valley civilization, a new culture came into existence which is termed Vedic culture. During that time, women had a very prestigious and respected life as compared to modern India. women of that time and culture were treated equally as compared to men and were highly knowledgeable and held powerful positions. At that time, women were not only considered as mothers but also as respected individual personalities who were admired by Indian society as an identifier and contributors to the world. The patriarchal system was also followed at that time but despite it, women were treated with equal respect in terms of status and positions.
Women of the Vedic Culture had received an adequate amount of education and it had been considered that after marriage women helped the men in their religious activities, they both performed several rituals together which were only done because women knew that part. Women have the right to choose their life partner according to their will, for this, a proper function was conducted which was called "Swayamvar". It provides a sense of freedom to them in choosing a partner of their will.
There were many women who are the ideals of today's women like Sati, Savitri, Parvati, and Draupadi. These women were so powerful and intellectual that in terms of capacity and absolute knowledge, they were equal to men. They were viewed as the divine powers, had vast knowledge of mantras, and performed various disciplined and dedicated practices (sadhana) through which they helped in the growth and prosperity of society.
As a mother, a woman is much more prestigious, respected, and devoted to her work than anyone else. A single woman can change the whole perception of generations. A mother is a very important person in everyone's life, she is the first and foremost teacher of a child and holds a valuable position in the entire society.
Social status given to women
In the early Vedic period, women were highly respected with tremendous reverence. Daughters were not considered a burden, they were equally treated and celebrated as sons. The practice of child marriage was unheard of at that time, unmarried daughters were at their father's house till marriage. Married women enjoyed equal status as their husbands in their in-law's house and the practice of widow remarriage was very prevalent. Unfortunately, if any woman loses her husband and becomes a widow then she is remarried to her husband's brother despite of treating her disrespectfully.
Women were considered the Laxmi of the house and it was believed that women bring peace, prestige, and wealth to the house in which they get married. One of the most essential responsibilities that women carry out is to teach and tame their children. She holds a high status in her family. The people of Vedic culture were not known to break and separate their relationship, once they were tied to their partner they devoted their whole life to them. The term 'Divorce' which is very common in modern times does not exist in Hindu culture.
It was prevalent that Gods were worshipped with Goddesses like Shiv with Shakti, Vishnu with Laxmi, and Ram with Sita. Shakti is the supreme power who enlightens everyone and is the female counterpart and force of manifestation of Shiv. Even Shiv and other gods respect them with full devotion.
However, there were also some demerits of that time which were the practice of polygamy, and keeping women as slaves. polygamy (the custom of more than one marriage) is commonly prevalent among kings and rich people and women were as slaves by many kings which is a disrespectful act.
Economical position of women
In the Vedic period, women were financially independent, some of them worked as teachers, dressmakers, and household workers and they supported their husbands in agricultural activities with their housework. Women are efficient people who can handle household chores, nursing, tutoring children, and supporting their husband's work.
Unmarried women of that time had a right to their father's property, while unmarried women did not have that right. If the wife of a person dies, then her property will given to her children, not to her husband, and if the husband dies, that woman does not have a direct share in her husband's property. But in some circumstances, women are treated as commodities and are given to some in exchange for something which is not an appropriate way as women are not an object they are human beings and will deserve to be respected.
Quality education for women
Education is the most important aspect of that time also which is not bound to a specific gender. Education helps to improve intelligence and wisdom. Women of the Vedic period were prioritized in education, they were well-known learners and performers and not less than men. women of that time excelled in logic and philosophy, they chanted difficult mantras.
Some women were teachers who taught others their teachings and also performed celibacy and attained brahmacharya. women were also the priests at that time including Lopamudra, Ghosha, and Appala and they performed ceremonies. There were many instances of women teachers at the time of the Buddhist era, but with time, women were shrunk to houses only and were not allowed to receive education because of some people's philosophy to remain, women, uneducated and increase their engagements in household work.
Political involvement of women
In the Vedic age, women were also engaged in politics. There were public meetings (sabhas) where women were free to share their views. At that time, a newly married woman had the privilege to attend those sabhas when she came to her in-law's house. Some women also achieve military training to help their partner in every aspect and also help them in their political decisions.
In some places, the government was run by women leaders when there was no king left there. Satavahan queen 'Nayanika' ruled the kingdom as there was a minor son of her who was not capable of ruling the kingdom at that age.
Conclusion
Women of that age have more independence and have a high and respected status in society. Shakti, the feminine power is the supreme and the source of all powers.
women have the opportunity to study and join the military to defend themselves and help in times of difficulty. Females were regarded as divine power and were considered Lakshmi of the house. she can be a teacher, priest, warrior, supporter, and Lakshmi too, even in modern times, so let her wings fly and most importantly respect her.