Status of Women in Kautilya's Society

 In Kautilyan society, as we gather from the text and interpretations, much thought and planning was done in the formation of social norms regarding marriage, divorce, family and community relationship. 
          The supreme importance given to Grahastha Ashrama for sustaining social life implied the reasonability of women in building up society. Marriage was one of the necessities of a man or a woman. Kautilya mentions eight kinde of marriages : 'Brahma, Prajapatya, Arsha, Daica, Gandharva, Asura, Rakhasa and Paisacha.' Although the system of marriage was considered sacramental a lot of importance was given to contractual obligations. Kautilya emphasised that the relation between a man and a woman should be of a reciprocal nature. He forbids the practice of cruelty towards each other. The limits of personal freedom hinged on the nature and extent of Shulka (maintenance). Kautilya permits remarriage of women under speceial circumstances, women not provide for by shulka had the right of remarriage with the permission of gnatis (kinsmen) Those whose husbands were abroad for a long time, or who suffered from incurable diseases or were sterile, could re- marry, if they desired. Kautilya permitted any form of marriage as legal, if it is accepted by the parties involved.  Re-marriage was also permitted in the case of husband turning ascetic or being dead or leaving no issue. Even if there was an issue, prolonged absence also sanctioned re-marriage . Anuloma (marriage by higher caste male with a there was an issue, prolonged absence also sanctioned re- lower caste female) and Pratiloma (marriage by a lower caste male with a higher caste female) marriages were also allowed. A woman could marry whomsoever she liked, provided the husband could maintain her. Stridhana (Dowry) was the material guarantee of the marriage in those days and it was lost to the bridegroom if he was sexually deficient and vice versa. made in the society, still great importance was attached to moral values. Adultery and rape were cognisable offences, in spite of the prevalent polygamy. The husband had to obtain not only the sanction but also pay a substantial amount to the first wife in case he wanted to get married the second time. Kautilyan Arthashastra was quite comprehensive on this issue. The Arthashastra considers the question of dissolution of marriage if both the husband and wife loathe each other (Parasparam Dvesah Mokshah). Kautilya allowed not only the separation between the husband and wife but also laid down laws as regards her maintenance. 
           The widows could lead an independent life. They were allowed to remarry with or without the consent of their in- laws under certain conditions. The choice of re-marriage or of leading a pious life was of the woman's own. In case a widow decided to lead a pious life, she could retain all the property given to her by her late husband.
             Basically woman had limited property rights. Shulka given at the time of marriage, and other presents constituted her Stridhana. Stridhana was basically meant to be used by the woman of her own free will but could be used by the husband or other members of the family in case of emergency. A woman had right to maintenance for herself and her children. Besides this, there was no binding on a woman to pay her husband's debts. 
           It observed that women were actively involved in business. Although the women of higher classes did not go out to work but they used their skills in various crafts at home and sold their products through agents. Thus it seems clear that the welfare of women was one of the important preoccupation of Kautilya.