Marriage and the Heir

Bhma teaches Yudhihira the importance of good wifely conduct. Because of a woman’s inherent nature (svabhva), her husband and family must carefully restrain her (13.38-43; see also Leslie 1986; 1989:246-72). Bhma puts these words into the mouth of the celestial nymph (apsaras) Pacac (presumably, given their content, the female speaker lends them weight):

Women stay with their husbands not because they think it’s wrong not to, nor out of sympathy, or any business motive, or loyalty to their family and relations. … if they are unable to meet men, if they can’t trust their attendants, and if they’re frightened of being killed or tied up, then of course they take responsibility for their own protection. They’re essentially fickle and unmanageable; they’re hard to hold because of what they are.