520 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
to play. In fact, in this legislature we have different parts to play. There is no question of inequality or discrimination. We have all parts to play. In these circumstances I submit that the position of the Hindu women has to be considered from this point of view. The division amongst Muslims has gone too far. How the share of a daughter leads to disruption of the family is worthy of consideration. As soon as a man dies, leaving sons and daughters, the daughters at once inherit their shares. They are married and in a majority of cases they are transported to different families. In fact, intermarriage in Muslim Law is a device to counteract infinitesimal division. There is again a provision that in case person having a share transfers the property to an outsider, the original co-sharers have been given the right to re-purchase the share on payment of the price. But as every lawyer knows, a suit for presumption is hedged in with so many legal difficulties that it hardly succeeds. The Wakf is another attempt to counteract this tendency. The share to a Muslim daughter has not conduced to the solidarity of the family property.
Mr. Tajamul Husain : I do not wish to interrupt, but as it is a case of Muslim Law, I am interested in it. I want to know from my honourable friend whether he does not approve of the inheritance as enunciated under Muslim law ?
Mr. Naziruddin Ahmad : I should submit that the question does not arise.
Mr. Tajamul Husain : It is for the Speaker to say whether it arises or not.
Mr. Naziruddin Ahmad : Even then, I shall not be drawn into a controversy over this. How the Muslim family deteriorates and desintegrates, is a matter of long experience to us, as also I believe to many lawyers like yourself. When a daughter is married, for some time family amity keeps them together, but a time comes when the daughter comes to her father’s house and a misunderstanding arises between the daughter and the brother’s wife. Women differ on more unsubstantial matters than men. They being more sensitive differ.
Shri Mahavir Tyagi : You are casting aspersions on women.
Mr. Naziruddin Ahmad : It is not casting aspersions. It is analysing their character. The sentimental nature of women makes them more attractive, more interesting and more loving. If women were as hard-hearted, as strong, as rugged, as we are, life would have been