The Status and Social Activities of Wives in Vedic Samhitas and Puranas: A Brief Study

Abstract: The Vedic Samhitas and the Puranas constitute the bedrock of Indian culture, serving as a guiding light for human society and a fundamental pillar of literature. As long as the Vedas are recited in India, the discourse of the Puranas will continue to resonate. Just as we derive multifaceted knowledge from Vedic literature, the Puranas too offer profound insights into various aspects of Indian life. This research paper explores the duties and responsibilities of a wife as depicted in the Vedic Samhitas. Furthermore, it aims to highlight how women in ancient India, according to the Puranas, were actively engaged in religious vows (Vratas), penance (Tapasya), hospitality toward guests, and acts of charity (Dana). The primary objective of this study is to systematically collect and record information from the Vedic Samhitas and Puranas regarding these socio-cultural roles of women.