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Jaina Community - A Social Survey
it is suggested that this practice might have given rise to the custom of the tonsure of widows in the Hindu society.210 . The above discussion is sufficient for giving us a general idea of the social position of a Jaina woman. In conclusion it can be said that inspite of traditional practices of early marriage and widowhood persisting in the Jaina community, the granting of religious independence to women had very healthy reprecussions on their social status. Thus, they commanded voice in their family affairs and wielded uncommon influence in the shaping of their children's destiny. Moreover, they enjoyed many legal rights of inheritance and possession of property and had ample opportunity of managing their domestic business independently. 211 Political Status :
The question whether women were allowed to take part in political activities depends on the question whether women could come out in public and move freely in society. From the Jaina texts we find that women appeared in the public without any restriction. They could go out to visit their friends and relations. Many women are seen going to shrines for worship and gathering on the occasion of various festivals.212 There was nothing like Purdah system among ancient Jaina women.213 The Purdah system was generally adopted by the Hindu community after the advent of Muslim rule. This was more in vogue in the Northern than in the Southern India and now it is found only in some rich and aristocratic families especially in Rajputana. The same can be said about the Jaina community. Even at present the ladies of Osavāla caste necessarily observe the Purdah and "high position is accorded to families according to the strictness with which they follow the Purdah system.214
In ancient times women were never thought fit for any other sphere than the household life and the intricate questions of admini: stration and government were held to be beyond their comprehension.215 But it could be seen that in times of need women did rise to the occasion and held important positions in the political sphere from the very beginning.216 We find similar instances in the history of Jaina community also. In ancient Jaina texts we come across women dressed in man's attire, putting on armour, equipped with weapons, arms, shields, bows and arrows and there
