Essay name: Vasudevahindi (cultural history)
Author:
A. P. Jamkhedkar
Affiliation: Savitribai Phule Pune University / Deccan College Post Graduate and Research Institute Pune
This essay is an English study of the Vasudevahindi reflecting cultural history and traditions of the life of people in ancient and medieval India during the 6th century. The Vasudevahimdi is a romantic and religious tale that revolves around the wanderings of Vasudeva (a former Jain monk) and religious teachings in the guise of love stories, a common theme of poetry in Jainism.
Chapter 3 - Social Conditions
53 (of 228)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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200
The Vh(M), which relates Vasudeva's exploits
in acquiring seventy-one wives from various families,
offers more pieces of information. Vasudeva had to follow
a particular type of code while maintaining judicious
treatment to all of his wives. On his return from the
journey he greeted them according to their seniority
(补苍耻辫补谤颈惫补诲颈)鹿.
Co-wives, as is natural, always tried to
find fault with each other and managed to bring disfavour
to others (kusale vi akusalakari). Yet they were expected
to live together like sisters. In fact, they greeted each
other by embracing in the manner of sisters (kamthalagga)虏.
The Ideal of a Kulavadhu :
A kulavadhu attended on her husband as if he
were a deity throughout her life, irrespective of his
appearance, merits or intelligence鲁. A maiden born in a
high family remained behind the curtain (javaniya) while
attending a public function +. She could, however, reveal
her face 5 to others while moving out of the city in a covered
cart.
1. Vh(M), II.52b.
A
2. Ibid., 1.46a.
3. Vh(P), 227. Similar view is expressed in the Kamasutra
of Vatsyayana and the Matsya Purana. See HCIP, Vol. III,
pp. 563, 565.
4. Vh(P), 128.
5. Ibid., 101.
