The study of women�s rights and legal status in ancient India offers a fascinating and nuanced view of how gender roles were structured within one of the oldest civilizations. The book Women�s Rights and Legal Rights in Ancient India thoughtfully examines the shifting patterns of women�s status from the Vedic period through the post-Vedic and classical eras. By analyzing key texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Manusmriti, and Arthashastra, the author provides a comprehensive overview of the legal and social frameworks that governed women's lives. The early Vedic period is depicted as a time when women enjoyed a relatively high status, with active roles in religious practices, education, and even social governance. Women like Gargi and Maitreyi are celebrated for their intellectual contributions, reflecting a society that, in certain respects, valued women�s autonomy and intellect. The book highlights the concept of Stridhana, women�s wealth, as a legal acknowledgment of their financial rights, an element of property ownership that set women apart from many ancient societies. However, as the book progresses into later periods, especially the post-Vedic and classical eras, it documents a clear decline in women's legal rights and social standing. The author examines the impact of patriarchal texts such as the Manusmriti, which outlined restrictive laws on marriage, inheritance, and autonomy. The emergence of stricter norms around marriage, including child marriage and the denial of widow remarriage, signaled a shift towards a more patriarchal order. While the Manusmriti is often criticized for its treatment of women, the book also provides an insightful analysis of the complexity of ancient legal systems, where regional variations and different dynasties influenced the interpretation of women�s roles. For example, matriarchal societies in southern India, where women retained more control over property and social life, contrast sharply with the more restrictive norms in other parts of the country. One of the most compelling sections of the book is its exploration of women�s legal rights through the lens of social protection. While women's autonomy was constrained in many legal spheres, the texts also show a deep concern for their protection from abuse and ill-treatment, especially in widowhood and marriage. Laws concerning maintenance and guardianship, though often biased towards male control, provided certain safeguards for women�s welfare. In conclusion, the book provides a balanced and in-depth perspective on the legal rights and status of women in ancient India. It offers a critique of the growing patriarchal norms that increasingly restricted women's freedoms, yet it also highlights moments in history where women had access to education, wealth, and some degree of independence. The historical journey from equality to restriction offers valuable insights into the changing dynamics of gender and law in India. The book underscores the complexity of interpreting ancient laws and practices, showing how the rights of women were shaped by religion, culture, and politics. While there were certainly setbacks, the history of women�s legal rights in ancient India is not one of constant oppression; instead, it is a story of fluctuating fortunes, regional diversity, and occasional progress, offering a rich source of reflection for modern discussions on gender equality and legal reforms.