Old writings within the 'Vedas and the Upanishads' label women as 'maata (mother) or Devi (goddess)', denoting worth and preciousness for women.1 It was male responsibility to look after women, brothers and husbands would look after their women by any means. ... Firstly, Purdah is the custom" in some Muslim and Hindu communities of keeping women in seclusion, with clothing that conceals them completely when they go out". 3 A large reason for the decline in the status of women and their freedom was that ' original Indians wanted to shield their women folk f...

• Word Count: 2806
• Approx Pages: 11
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate