Author:

Dr Punit

Assistant Professor
Department of History
Goswami Ganesh Dutta SD College
Sector 32-C, Chandigarh (UT),India

Email: punit.res@gmail.com

Abstract: This research paper emphasises the necessity of examining sub-groups of women, particularly widows, within the context of historical economic transformations. Around c. sixth century BCE, significant shifts in economic structures prompted alterations in property rights and debt settlement practices. As societal norms evolved, widows gained rights to their deceased husbands’ property but simultaneously inheriting the duty to settle their debts. This duality underscores a critical nexus between gender, property rights, and financial responsibilities. Despite its importance, the subject has received limited scholarly attention, often overshadowed by broader narratives surrounding widowhood. Through an analysis of legal texts such as the dharmasūtras, dharmaśāstras, and other early Indian scriptures, this study reveals the complexity of widows’ financial obligations. It examines the conditions under which widows inherited property and the factors influencing their liability for debts, including their marital status, possession of property (such as strī-dhana), and remarriage decisions. The findings challenge conventional portrayals of widows as passive figures and illuminate their significant yet often overlooked roles in economic transactions. This research contributes to a nuanced understanding of gender dynamics in historical economic contexts and calls for further exploration into the interplay of law, economy, and gender in early Indian societies.

Key Words::Gender,Economy, Financial obligations, Property rights, Women, Widows etc.