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NCERT textbook mentions a verse from Manusmriti to highlight women were respected during Vedic period

  • Changes in the NCERT Social Studies textbook

  • Also mentions the Varna system

    (NCERT: National Council of Educational Research and Training)

New Delhi – The new NCERT textbook for Class 9 Social Studies mentions a verse from ‘Manusmriti’. The book says that women had a place of honour during the Vedic period; however, over time, their social status underwent various changes. During certain periods, their social status even declined.

The chapter that mentions the Manusmriti

The chapter ‘State and Society (up to 1000 CE)’ in the textbook states that the Vedic period is described as a time when women had a high and respected position in society.

Mention of female sages

The chapter further states that women participated in scholarly education. On certain occasions, women performed religious rituals alongside men and also participated in public ceremonies. Many verses in the Rigveda are traditionally attributed to scholars such as Apala, Vishwavara, Ghosha and Lopamudra.

It then refers to Manusmriti 3.56, which states, ‘Where women are respected, the gods are pleased; where they are not respected, all religious rituals are in vain.’

Other important mentions in the textbook

1. Manusmriti is an ancient Sanskrit text that contains rules related to society and law. This text has long been the subject of debate and controversy regarding caste and the position of women.

2. However, it should also be noted that the position of women has not remained static over time. Due to social and political changes in different eras, the status of women has sometimes improved and sometimes deteriorated. Nevertheless, women remained active in many fields. They continuously contributed to household chores, agriculture, handicrafts and religious activities.

3. The literature of the Gupta-Vakataka period describes women who were well-educated and skilled in the arts. Historical records also suggest that many queens played important roles in governance and in spreading religious activities.

4. In this context, the example of Prabhavati Gupta, the ruler of the Vakataka kingdom, is mentioned. Also, Sangam literature portrays women as active participants in society and the economy.

The Varna system was established based on social roles

This chapter also makes it clear that in early Vedic society, social identity was not solely determined by birth; other factors were also important. Early Vedic texts do not mention a fixed social status based on birth. Instead, social identity is believed to have emerged through a complex interplay of factors such as ethnic group, sub-group, region, village, language, occupation and especially cultural affiliation. Evidence from the Rigveda suggests occupational diversity even within a single family, and a verse is cited which states, ‘I am a poet; my father is a physician; my mother works as a miller.’

Varna based on the value system

The article further states that over time, the four varnas (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra) developed distinct roles in society. However, in the early days, these varnas were not seen as rigid social groups, but rather were identified by their jobs and responsibilities. In other words, the initial purpose of the varna system was not to rigidly divide people into specific classes, but to divide the work in society. Thus, the concept of Varna was based on a value system where knowledge was given the highest place, followed by political power and wealth. Referring to the Buddhist text ‘Sutta Nipata’, it was also emphasised that social status depends not on birth, but on the karma of an individual.

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