PART C Q. 25 Draupadi is …

A. During Epic Age gambling was a very prominent social evil. This practice was followed even by members of a royal family. The social position of women was very humble. They were considered as personal property of their husband. Even a member of a royal family like Yudhisthira staked his wife, Draupadi in gambling.

There was slavery in India during Epic Age.

B. I agree with the second view. I can give the following arguments in support of my view:

Yudhisthira was not a freeman when he had lost himself. He could not stake another person i.e. Draupadi. As later on, Dhritarashtra restored to the Pandavas and Draupadi their personal freedom, it meant that Pandavas were regranted freedom.

C. A comparison of the status of women: At that time (i.e. during the days of the Mahabharata) the women were not enjoying full freedom and equal social status. They were considered person. I property by royal male members. They were even staked even by their life-partners in gambling. On present time women are more awakened. They are equal citizens of a democratic system. Generally, constitution of a country grants them equality, freedom and right

of education and equal opportunity to hold highest public office.