5g. Occupation

[Full title: 5. Women in the Atharvavedic Society, (g): Occupation]

As usual, the women of the Atharvavedic period were confined within household affairs, hence, their field of work was also limited therein. They were, most of the time, engaged in the homely affairs like cooking, weaving etc. The preparation of food by one’s mother has been mentioned in the Veda.^[1] Weaving was their another occupation. Two maidens have been referred to in one mantra of the Atharvaveda, helping each other in weaving. One of them draws forth the threads while the other one sets them.^[2] In the marriage hymn,^[3] the touch of the garment, woven by one’s wife is wished to be pleasant. Perhaps, the act of sewing was also done by the women as the goddess Rākā is asked to do such works.^[4] Besides, the then women were occupied with agriculture also, which may be assumed from the connection of Sītā, a female deity with the same, as discussed latter. Dancing women also have been alluded to in the Atharvaveda.^[5]

The Atharvaveda has also reference to certain women, rendering service to others as being a dāsī, i.e. servant.^[6] In the society, such women were not treated amiably, but, were considered as untouchable. It is stated there that if such a woman touched a mortar and a pestle with her wet hands, then, it was to be cleansed.^[7] Even if she was allowed to clean the cow-dung, then, it was considered as the subject of a sin, resulting at the birth of a deformed child.^[8]