During the Early Vedic period, women were respected and given a high status in society. They even attended the assemblies and participated in debates. The wife was the husband’s partner in all social and religious ceremonies. Girls had the freedom to choose their husbands through the system of ‘ Swayamvara’. But during the Later Vedic period, society became patriarchal as most prayers contained the desire to have a son. The position of women deteriorated during the period. Women were considered inferior to men and were denied education. Their freedom was curtailed. Polygamy began to be practiced. They were supposed to serve their families and were confined to the four walls of their houses.
