Tantra and the Status of Women

Tantra had some ameliorating influence on the negative status of women, as it prescribed that a man should cherish his wife and never punish her, rape was punishable by death, daughters should not be given in marriage for money, and killing female animals was prohibited in the sacrifice. In some areas, Tantric women were not only "used" but were also religious teachers of men, and provided a religious option for women in society who desired to escape Brahmanical norms.

Tantric texts prescribed that a man should cherish his wife and never punish her or be unpleasant, rudeness to women should be expiated, rape was punishable by death, daughters should not be given in marriage for money, and killing female animals was prohibited in the sacrifice.

Tantra provided a religious option for women in society who were either outside Brahmanical circles or who desired to escape the Brahmanical norms for whatever reason. Consequently, there was considerable female initiative and leadership in some areas under Tantric influence.