Indian Ancient Literature and View of Women Part 1

I have always wondered why women in all cultures were subjugated so a lesser role.How did the world end up being a male dominated place.If you have to understand the present we have to dig up the facts of the past.I dont say its a male propaganda to wipe out the female race out of the planet.But then again history points us to that direction.
Caution:If there are any deviations in the post presented below...Please let me know...Historical accuracy is much appreciated.Male chauvinists ..stay away!!!


Most of the ancient Indian books have so much hatred for woman.Women were shown in such a bad light.
What is the use of being a spiritual motherland ??
What is the use of having literary gaints?


Untruthfulness,rashness,guile,studpidity,avarice,uncleaniness and cruelty are woman's seven natural flaws of a woman.
The wife with offensive face should be given up.
Source Chankaya Niti Sastra

Day and night women must be kept in dependence by the males (of) their (families), and, if they attach themselves to sensual enjoyments, they must be kept under one’s control.

Her father protects (her) in childhood, her husband protects (her) in youth, and her sons protect (her) in old age; a woman is never fit for independence.

Though destitute of virtue, or seeking pleasure (elsewhere), or devoid of good qualities, (yet) a husband must be constantly worshipped as a god by a faithful wife.

laws of Manu

In the pre-Sankara period, Hinduism was a religion filled with foolish rituals.It was more a tribal land with Vedas stil existant but never considered seriously by common lay man/woman.(even now that is the case)
Buddha brought a welcome change to India and propagated giving women equal status as men.Buddha was not opposed to the vedas,but he was opposed to foolish rituals.Common example of that would be ..
Women were able to light the funeral pyre..In Hinduism only males get to do it.Buddha did not allow females to become nuns.He was worried about the safety of the nuns..as in those days forests were ruled by dacoits.But history tells us that Buddha did agree to let women become nuns after some persuasion from his mother and wife.