Different Definitions of Stridhana in Hindu Law

According to the definition of Stridhana by Vijnaneshwara, any property belonging to a woman is termed as Stridhana. This is accepted by some schools in Hindu law and rejected by others.

Hindu Law: Stridhana in Mitakshara School of Law

Based on this definition, the Mitakshara school of Hindu law elucidates the following as Stridhana:

• Property obtained by inheritance
• Property obtained by purchase
• Property obtained by partition
• Property obtained by seizure
• Property obtained by finding

Hindu Law:Stridhana in Mithila School of Law

The Mithila school of Hindu law recognizes 11 types of Stridhana property as given below:

• Six types as elucidated by Manu, the law giver.
• Three types of gifts that are made on supersession, gifts subsequent and sulka.
• Ornaments.
• Food and vesture which means funds required to provide for the woman.

Hindu Law:Stridhana in Dayabhaga School of Law

The Dayabhaga school of Hindu law recognizes the following propositions on Stridhana by the Mitakshara sub-schools as given below:

• Every type of Stridhana that a woman passes on to her heirs after her death
• Every kind of Stridhana that she cannot dispose off at her will/pleasure.

However, Jimutavahana defines Stridhana as that which a woman enjoys the power to give, sell, or use independent of her husband’s control.

Hindu Law:Stridhana for Prostitutes

Hindu law recognizes that prostitutes have family and blood ties that endow them with rights too. For the purpose of succession, a prostitute’s property will be considered as her Stridhana. Section 3 (i) (j) of the Hindu Succession Act 1956 provides that a prostitute’s illegitimate children can inherit just as like her legitimate children.