Women are described in ancient Indian texts as being weaker than men. Lacking in physical and, more importantly, spiritual strength, they 'spoil' men and deter them from more spiritual concerns. They were incapable of moksa, cannot own property and can be sold. A man of higher varna was theoretically lawful in taking any woman he wished. They had distinctive customs, rituals and spirituality, with which men were not allowed to interfere.
Indian history is rife with famous women saints, healers and priests.
Some examples include Andal, a 6th century A.D. sage and Jnanananda Ma of the 20th century. Moreover, in their roles as preservers of the households, women wielded significant authority over the daily lives of everyone living with them. All societies are riddled with inequalities and the customs of ancient India present themselves as models of inegalitarian hierarchies, both by defining social classes and by oppressing women. Fortunately for the people of that time, the realization of the system did not rigidly enforce the rules, which were written down. Jainism, founded by Parsva in 800 B.C.E and spread by Mahavira around 550 B.C.E. rigidly defined some aspects of Hinduism and shed others.