Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Ancient India: Kinship, Caste and Class

Question:

Which is NOT correct in respect of women's economic rights as per Manusmriti?

Options:

Women could claim any share in the property of father after the death of the latter only if her brother (s) agreed to sharing.

Women were allowed to retain the gifts they received on the occasion of their marriage as stridhana. This could be inherited by their children.

The Manusmriti warned women against hoarding family property, or even their own valuables, without the husband's permission.

All of these

Correct Answer:

Women could claim any share in the property of father after the death of the latter only if her brother (s) agreed to sharing.

Explanation:

According to the Manusmriti, the paternal estate was to be divided equally amongst sons after the death of the parents, with a special share for the eldest. Women could not claim a share of these resources. However, women were allowed to retain the gifts they received on the occasion of their marriage as stridhana (literally, a woman’s wealth). This could be inherited by their children, without the husband having any claim on it. At the same time, the Manusmriti warned women against hoarding family property, or even their own valuables, without the husband’s permission.