The position of women during the Rig Vedic period was characterized by ___ and ___.

Full freedom and equality with men

True or False: During the Later Vedic period, the power of women in religious ceremonies increased.

False; their power in religious ceremonies decreased.

True or False: The Grihya sutras imposed strict penalties on wives who forsook their husbands.

False; penalties were imposed on husbands who unjustly forsook their wives.

During the Maurya Empire, women had property rights to their ___, which was a gift made at the time of marriage.

Stridhan

What role did courtesans play in Gupta society?

Courtesans were trained in poetry and music, esteemed members of society, and often educated.

Fill in the blank: The importance of ___ and rituals increased during the Later Vedic period.

Brahmans

What evidence from the Epics suggests women's involvement in societal guidance?

References indicate that women guided men on religious and social questions.

True or False: Sati was prevalent during the Maurya Empire.

False; sati was not generally prevalent.

What was the status of widow remarriage during the Maurya Empire?

Widows could remarry, but they lost rights to any property inherited from their deceased husbands.