35. Women not to be killed

Inspite of degradation in the status of women and 187 Altekar A.S., Op.Cit.,Great Women of India, P.34. 188 Brahmaksatravisam caiva mantravat snanamisyate | tusnimeva hi sudrasya strinam ca kurunandana Visnu quoted in smrticandrika: I. P.181. 189 Vedoktam Trisu Varnesu snanam Japyamudaphatam 1 Strisudrayoh snanajapyam vedoktavidhivarjitam >> 67.19.

386 many heavy disabilities imposed upon them, they enjoyed certain privileges and certain favoured treatment in ancient India. 190 Ly Since the very early times, the killing of a woman was regarded as a very disgraceful offence. The Satapatha Brahmana points out that a woman ought not be killed.191 The Mbh. states that those who know Dharma declare that women 192 are not to be killed, and that one should not direct one's The Ramayana also notes the weapons against women, cows, brahmins and against one who gave livelihood or shelter. 193 sentaneat when It is interesting to note that even inspite of the universally accepted divinity of Rama, critics like Bhavabhuti have ventured to fearlessly censure his conduct in killing Tatika.194 The Brahma Purana also states that it is a general rule that women, though, born in the lowest category, should not be killed and if anyone tried to kill a woman, it was considered to be in opposition to righteousness.195 190 Kane P.V., Op.Cit., P.595. 191 192 ph But at the Stri Valsa yatscrirna vai striyan ghantyuta tvasya jlvantya evadadata iti | Sat.Br.XI.4.3.2. Avadhya striya ityahurdharmajna dharmaniscaye Adiparva 158-31. + 193 Strisu Gosu na sastrani patayet Brahmanesu ca Yasya cannani bhujita yatra ca syatpratistayah " 194 Uttararamacarita, Act V.34; Vide for details Altekar The Fosition of Women in Hindu Civilisation,P.380. 195 Avadhyam ca striyam prahustirbagyonigatesvapi \ A.S., Yadyevam prthivipala na dharmam tyaktumakhasi ||(4.80).

387 same time, the Brahma Purana modifies this rule and states that if many persons are benefitted by killing one inauspicious woman, then there is no sin in killing her. 196 Not only killing a The woman in such conditions was desirable but such act entailed % the merit of performance of hundred Asvamedhas. 197 Ramayana also notes a similar sentiment when Rama was called upon to kill Tataka. 198