❓ Do Hindu women have lower status according to religious texts?

Ancient Hindu texts actually accord high status to women. The Manusmriti states 'where women are honored, there the gods delight.' Historical evidence shows women as scholars, rulers, and spiritual leaders in ancient India.

The Devi Bhagavata Purana describes the divine feminine as the supreme power. Many Vedic hymns were composed by women seers like Gargi and Maitreyi. Practices like child marriage and restrictions on women's education were later social developments contrary to scriptural teachings.

Modern Hindu movements emphasize gender equality based on the core principle that the same divine consciousness dwells in all beings regardless of gender. Spiritual texts praise the feminine divine through concepts like Shakti.