3 Review(s)

The author wrote this book as his doctorial thesis, approved for the degree by the University of London. This book clears the haze regarding the position and status of women in the Vedic rituals, be they household or imperial rituals. Women in various roles are noted : as daughters, as wives, as widows, as mothers, and as sisters. Being a book of rituals, many are described, including Agni Samskara, Sraddh, Pasuyaga, Udaniyesti, Vajapeya, Rajsuya, Purusamedha, Vasvideva, Girhashanti, Pitryajna, Naga Bali, Pumsavana, Karnavedha, etc. The book ends with 3 appendices - one each on, the sister, the wife in Indian literature, and notes on the chief wife. This book was first published in 1956