Abstract

Abstract: Scholars believe that inancient India, the women enjoyed equal status with men in all fields of life.However, some others hold contrasting views. Works by ancient Indiangrammarians such as Patanjali and Katyayana suggest that women were educated inthe early Vedic period.Rigvedic verses suggest that the woman married at a mature age and was probablyfree to select her husband. Scriptures such as Rigveda and Upanishads mention several women sages andseers, notably Gargi and Maitreyi. Some kingdoms in the ancient India hadtraditions such as Nagarvadhu ‘bride ofthe city’. Women competed to win the coveted title of the Nagarvadhu. Amrapali is the most famous example of a Nagarvadhu.

Keywords: Empowerment, Smriti, Bhakti Movement, Shariat,Women Reservation Bill application.