Does Manusmriti oppose women ??

Nowadays, many left-wingers and feminists accuse the Hindu text Manusmriti of being anti-woman and patriarchal in order to oppose Hindu religion, whereas the reality is quite different. It is astonishing when these very same people portray the Quran as a well-wisher of women. There are numerous verses in Manusmriti concerning women that accord them a very high status and fully look after the woman's happiness. Today, let us examine the rules of paternal property distribution according to Manusmriti to see how much consideration it gives to women.

The eldest brother should be given an additional twentieth share of the total property. The one younger to him should be given an additional fortieth share. All the remaining brothers should divide the rest equally among themselves. If the eldest brother is more virtuous, he should be honoured by giving him the best among all items. If all the brothers are equally virtuous, they should divide the best items equally, yet give a little extra to honour the eldest brother. But each brother must give a fourth part of his property to his unmarried sister. Those who fail to do so become patita (fallen).

 - Manusmriti, Ninth Chapter, Verse 112-118

Let us look at some examples of this rule—

First Example

If the property is 1 crore and there are 3 brothers and 1 sister, then this is how the calculation works out.

The twentieth share of 1 crore is 5 lakhs, which is for the eldest brother, and the fortieth share is 2.5 lakhs, which is separate for the middle brother.

Now the equal distribution of 92.5 lakhs will take place = 92.5 / 3 = 30.83 lakhs.

Thus, the eldest brother gets = 30.83 + 5 = 35.83 lakhs.
The middle brother gets = 30.83 + 2.5 = 33.33 lakhs.
The youngest gets = 30.83 lakhs.

All three brothers will give 25-25 percent to the younger sister, so the sister gets 25 lakhs.

Final Result :-

Eldest brother = 26.87 lakhs
Middle brother = 25 lakhs
Youngest brother = 23.12 lakhs
Sister = 25 lakhs

Second Example

If there are 3 brothers and 3 sisters,

The share of the three brothers is already written in the example above. Following that, there is a provision to give 25% to the unmarried sister. If the sisters are already married before the partition, the 25% is not to be given, because the father has already given them a share in the marriage. If all three sisters are unmarried, then first all three brothers should give 25% to one. Then, out of what remains, 25% should be given to the second. Then, out of what remains, 25% should be given to the third. This is dharma. Even if one is left with very little for oneself. Relying solely on ancestral property is not purushartha (manly enterprise). Only wealth earned through dharma itself has importance in dharma. In some places, the shastra states that ancestral property should be given away in charity. Giving to sisters and others brings growth according to the shastras. Not giving incurs a dosha (fault).

Now let the readers tell themselves whether Hindu dharma is patriarchal and anti-woman? Give your opinion in the comments...

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