Status of Woman in Jaina Society

Summary

The essay analyses the status of women in Jaina society and argues that religious independence granted to women translated into social empowerment. Jainism’s principle of ahimsa precluded practices like female infanticide and ensured daughters were not neglected. Jaina law required families to maintain unmarried daughters and sisters and allowed widows to inherit property. Education received emphasis; Jain families, schools and monasteries fostered female literacy, enabling many women to become teachers or nuns. Historical figures like Princess Jayanti debated philosophy with Mahavira and later took vows. Although the rise of child marriage in the 3rd century BCE reduced education, Jaina female literacy remained high relative to other communities, and women continued to contribute to literature. Marriage was treated as a civil contract rather than a religious necessity; adult marriage was standard and brides often had a say in choosing partners. The article portrays wives as central to household happiness and notes that polygamy was rare, divorce permitted and widows could remarry or pursue spiritual life. Unlike Hindu society, no cases of sati are found in Jaina texts. Overall, the essay concludes that religious freedom and legal rights allowed women to wield influence in family and property matters.