Long ago, women did not live confined to their homes or depend on their husbands or families. They were free to do what they wanted, and they did not remain loyal to just one husband. However, prevailing norms excused such actions. Even now, animals follow this same practice, without jealousy or restriction. Great sages have approved of this way of life, and it is still followed by the people of Northern Kurus. It is an ancient tradition. However, the current custom of women staying with only one husband for life is more recent. Let me explain how and why it started.

A great sage, Uddalaka, had a son, Swetaketu; a wise and learned ascetic. One day, in front of Swetaketu’s father, a Brahmana grabbed Swetaketu’s mother by the hand and said, ‘Come with me.’ Seeing this, Swetaketu became furious. But his father told him, Don’t be angry, my son. This is how things have always been. Men do not get jealous in such matters, while women enjoy their freedom. However, Swetaketu did not agree with this practice. In anger, he established the current rule requiring women’s fidelity to one husband. From then on, it became a sin for women to stray from their husbands, and any woman who did so would be guilty of harming her future children. Similarly, a man who disrespects a faithful wife, who has followed the vow of purity since childhood, would be equally sinful.

Since Swetaketu established this practice, it has become the rule for humans, but not for other beings like animals. People consider a woman sinful if she refuses her husband’s command to bear children.

Lessons from the story of Swetaketu

The passage teaches several lessons about how social and moral customs develop over time, and how what was once accepted in one era can change because of new perspectives or societal needs.

Customs are Subject to Change – In ancient times, women had more freedom and were not confined to a single husband, which was accepted and not considered sinful. This shows that societal norms can be fluid and dependent on the values of the time.

Culture can define moral standards – What was once permissible and viewed as virtuous (women’s freedom in relationships) was altered by the moral standards introduced later by Swetaketu, showing that cultural shifts rather than universal principles often shaped moral judgments.

The Role of Individual Influence in Society – Swetaketu’s personal reaction to the old custom led to a significant change in societal norms. This highlights how individual leaders or thinkers can influence and redefine societal practices based on their own beliefs.

Obligations in Relationships – The shift toward women being expected to remain loyal to one husband reflects the growing importance of commitment and duty within marriage, suggesting that societal stability and family structure became more central over time.

Human and Animal Behaviour Differences – The text draws a distinction between humans and animals, where animals continue to follow the old custom without jealousy. This implies that humans, guided by reason and moral judgment, impose more rigid rules on behaviour than nature does.

Evolution of Gender Roles – The passage illustrates how gender roles and expectations can shift dramatically. Stricter rules about fidelity, which reshaped women’s roles within marriage and society, replaced the older tradition of female independence.
These lessons show how society constructs traditions, morality, and gender roles, and how individual decisions or changing values can reform them over time.