THE WOMAN AND THE COUNTER-REVOLUTION 437
(grasachhadan) as is necessary for her, or more than is necessary in proportion to the income of the maintainer (yatha-purushaparivapam va). If the period (for which such things are to be given to her with one-tenth of the amount in addition) is limited, then a certain amount of money, fixed in proportion to the income of the maintainer, shall be given to her; so also if she has not been given her sulka, property, and compensation (due to her for allowing her husband to re-marry). If she places herself under the protection of any one belonging to her father-in-law’s family (svasurkula), or if she begins to live independently, then her husband shall not be sued (for her maintenance). Thus the determination of maintenance is dealt with.”
Surprising as it may appear in Kautilya’s time a wife could bring an action in a court of law against her husband for assault and defamation.
In short in pre-Manu days a woman was free and equal partner of man.
Why did Manu degrade her?
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