Madan Mohan Malaviya’s Verdict on Women’s Right to Vedic Mantras
The question of whether women have the right to recite Vedic mantras has been a subject of intense debate among the scholars of Kashi (Varanasi). A significant case arose when a young woman named Kumari Kalyani sought admission into the Vedic studies class at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). However, based on the prevailing orthodox beliefs, the university refused her admission, citing the traditional stance that women were not entitled to study the Vedas.
This led to nationwide debates in newspapers and intellectual circles. The “Sārvadeśika” newspaper published articles in favor of women’s Vedic rights, while Kashi’s “Siddhānta” magazine took a strong stance against it. The Arya Samaj sent a delegation to meet the university authorities, and discussions spread across the country.
Formation of a Scholarly Committee
Eventually, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) formed a committee under the chairmanship of Mahāmanā Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, a stalwart of Sanātana Dharma and a highly respected scholar. The committee comprised several eminent scholars and religious experts, who thoroughly analyzed the scriptures to arrive at a just and evidence-based decision.
Final Decision – Women Have Equal Rights to Vedic Study
After an in-depth review of the scriptural evidence, the committee unanimously concluded that women have the same right to study the Vedas as men. On August 22, 1946, Malaviya Ji officially announced this verdict, affirming that women would be granted admission to Vedic studies at BHU without restriction. Kumari Kalyani was admitted to the Vedic class, marking a historic moment in women’s access to Vedic learning.
This ruling established a precedent that women could freely study the Vedas, breaking centuries-old misconceptions and orthodox restrictions.
Malaviya Ji’s Legacy and the Unfounded Resistance
Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya was regarded as the soul of Sanātana Dharma. His wisdom, erudition, foresight, and unwavering commitment to religious integrity were beyond question. The decision he reached—in consultation with other eminent scholars—was firmly rooted in scriptural authority.
Yet, despite such scholarly validation, some orthodox individuals continue to resist this truth, clinging to a handful of interpolated or misinterpreted verses. Their stubborn opposition ignores:
✔ The progress of time
✔ The declining state of Hindu society
✔ The need to strengthen the community by empowering all members, including women
Such individuals refuse to acknowledge that ancient India was home to many scholarly women, including numerous Ṛṣikās (female sages) mentioned in the Vedas. Instead of embracing the wisdom of great thinkers like Malaviya Ji, they blindly adhere to medieval texts that were tampered with by self-serving interests.
A Call for Social Reform
Ignoring such rigid and outdated views, society must follow the progressive and scripturally sound decision of Malaviya Ji. Modern spiritual reformers and scholars must uphold this verdict, ensuring that:
✅ Women are given equal access to Vedic education
✅ The true essence of Sanātana Dharma is preserved
✅ Society moves forward in line with the Vedic vision of balance and harmony
Thus, the decision of Malaviya Ji remains a milestone in restoring the rightful place of women in Vedic traditions, and any attempt to suppress this is a direct violation of Dharma itself.