Which one of the following texts of ancient India allows divorce to a wife deserted by her husband ?

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Q: 79 (IAS/1996)
Which one of the following texts of ancient India allows divorce to a wife deserted by her husband ?

question_subject: 

History

question_exam: 

IAS

stats: 

0,184,283,61,148,74,184

keywords: 

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The Arthashastra, option 4, written by Kautilya or Chanakya, is a treatise on statecraft and economic policy that indeed includes provisions for a wife to divorce her husband if she has been abandoned. This classic work of ancient India speaks about different aspects of governance and law, including marriage and divorce.

Option 1, the Kamasutra, is a guide on love, intimacy, and pleasure. It does not discuss divorce rights in cases of abandonment.

Option 2, the Manavadharmashastra or Manusmriti, is a text that elaborates the dharma for human beings, particularly those in different castes and stages of life. It does not explicitly state that a wife can divorce her husband in case of desertion.

Option 3, the Sukra Nitisara, is a collection of ethical rules and codes, mostly focusing on king`s duty and governance. It does not delve into marital laws or the rights of a wife if deserted by a husband.

Hence, out of the four listed texts, only the Arthashastra allows a woman to divorce her husband if she has been abandoned.

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