Veiling in Hindu texts

References from Hindu scriptures and related classical literature that mention or allude to women veiling themselves, being instructed to be modest, or lowering their gaze. The idea of “hijab” or veiling in the specific Islamic sense is not identical, but certain verses have historically been interpreted by some commentators as endorsing practices of veiling or modesty:

Rigveda

Rig Veda 8.33.19:

“When Brahma has made you a woman, you should lower your gaze and should not look up. You should put your feet together and you should not reveal what the garment and the veil conceals.”
- This verse is commonly cited as recommending women to wear a veil and to be modest in public.
Rig Veda 10.85.30:

“Unlovely is the person is the husband who covers his thighs with the garment of his wife.”
- This is sometimes used to argue against cross-dressing and to encourage distinct clothing, but it is less directly about veiling.

Ramayana

Mahavir Charitra, Act II (not a Vedic scripture, but a classical play based on Ramayana themes):

Rama tells Sita, “He (Parshuram) is our elder; please lower your gaze and put on the veil.”
- This indicates a custom of women covering themselves in the presence of elders.

Dramatic Literature and Other Texts

Pratimānātaka (Ancient Sanskrit Play):
- “Ladies may be seen without any blame… in a religious session, in marriage festivities, during a calamity and in a forest.”
- Implies that ordinarily, women would be veiled, except under certain circumstances.
Accounts of Mandodari (Ramayana):
- After the death of Ravan, Mandodari laments not having her veil while appearing before others, suggesting covering the face was considered honorable.

Mahabharata

There are descriptions of Draupadi coming before elders and rishis with her head bowed and face veiled, reflecting a practice of modest presentation, especially in front of respected males.

Cultural and Historical Context

Covering the face (ghoonghat or avagunthana) became more widespread in North India in the post-Gupta era and especially after the Muslim conquests. Earlier Vedic and Epic texts do not universally prescribe face-covering, but modest clothing and sometimes head-covering are described, often as a sign of respect or status rather than a religious mandate.

Summary Table

Scripture/Source	Reference/Verse	Practice Described
Rig Veda	8.33.19, 10.85.30	Veiling, modesty, not cross-dressing
Mahavir Charitra	Act II	Veiling before elders
Pratimānātaka	Sanskrit play	Veil worn in ordinary circumstances
Mahabharata	Draupadi sections	Veiling in front of elders
Ramayana	Mandodari episode	Lamenting being unveiled

The references suggest that some forms of modest covering or veiling were discussed or recommended in specific social and ritual contexts, but the requirement is neither universally prescribed nor consistently enforced across all scriptures or eras. The many forms of dress and practices around veiling in Hindu society have shifted greatly with region, time, and social custom.

Veiling in Hindu texts

Rigveda

Rig Veda 8.33.19:

“When Brahma has made you a woman, you should lower your gaze and should not look up. You should put your feet together and you should not reveal what the garment and the veil conceals.”
- This verse is commonly cited as recommending women to wear a veil and to be modest in public.
Rig Veda 10.85.30:

“Unlovely is the person is the husband who covers his thighs with the garment of his wife.”
- This is sometimes used to argue against cross-dressing and to encourage distinct clothing, but it is less directly about veiling.

Ramayana

Mahavir Charitra, Act II (not a Vedic scripture, but a classical play based on Ramayana themes):

Rama tells Sita, “He (Parshuram) is our elder; please lower your gaze and put on the veil.”
- This indicates a custom of women covering themselves in the presence of elders.

Dramatic Literature and Other Texts

Pratimānātaka (Ancient Sanskrit Play):
- “Ladies may be seen without any blame… in a religious session, in marriage festivities, during a calamity and in a forest.”
- Implies that ordinarily, women would be veiled, except under certain circumstances.
Accounts of Mandodari (Ramayana):
- After the death of Ravan, Mandodari laments not having her veil while appearing before others, suggesting covering the face was considered honorable.

Mahabharata

There are descriptions of Draupadi coming before elders and rishis with her head bowed and face veiled, reflecting a practice of modest presentation, especially in front of respected males.

Cultural and Historical Context

Covering the face (ghoonghat or avagunthana) became more widespread in North India in the post-Gupta era and especially after the Muslim conquests. Earlier Vedic and Epic texts do not universally prescribe face-covering, but modest clothing and sometimes head-covering are described, often as a sign of respect or status rather than a religious mandate.

Summary Table

Scripture/Source	Reference/Verse	Practice Described
Rig Veda	8.33.19, 10.85.30	Veiling, modesty, not cross-dressing
Mahavir Charitra	Act II	Veiling before elders
Pratimānātaka	Sanskrit play	Veil worn in ordinary circumstances
Mahabharata	Draupadi sections	Veiling in front of elders
Ramayana	Mandodari episode	Lamenting being unveiled

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Veiling in Hindu texts

Rigveda

Ramayana

Dramatic Literature and Other Texts

Mahabharata

Cultural and Historical Context

Summary Table

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