Which one of the following texts of ancient India allows divorce to a wife deserted by her husband?

Answer: (d) Arthashastra

Kautilya's Arthashastra is the ancient text that gives women limited rights to leave a marriage, for example when deserted by the husband. The Manusmriti, by contrast, is strict about marriage.

• ✓ (d) Arthashastra provides for dissolution of marriage in cases such as desertion.
• ✗ (b) The Manava Dharmashastra treats marriage as indissoluble for women.

Remember · Arthashastra permits divorce in limited cases; Manusmriti does not.

Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 1996, General Studies paper. UPSC did not publish an answer key for 1996: the answer shown is the generally accepted one, and the sources above explain the facts behind it. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 24 Oct 2026 (how we verify). · Report an error