Solution to a Problem Rather than a General Commandment

problems survive. The alternative is to allow themselves to be turned out of their homes onto the streets. The state of Hindu society resulting from adherence to this principle can be judged from a detailed report published in India Today (New Delhi, November 15, 1987) entitled “Widows: Wrecks of Humanity.” Now, there is no need to discuss this further because it is inconceivable that, in present times, any sensible person would advocate this as a solution. The other possible ‘solution’ in the ‘civilized’ society of the West is the conversion of unwillingness to become a second wife into willingness to become a mistress, often of more than one man. During the Second World War, in which several Western countries, such as Germany, France, Britain, etc., took part, a large number of men were killed. As a result, women far outnumbered men at the end of the hostilities. Permissiveness then became the order of the day, to the extent that boards with such inscriptions as “Wanted: A Guest for the Evening” could be seen outside the homes of husbandless women. This state of affairs persisted in Western countries in various forms, even long after the war, and is now largely prevalent. Unlawful Polygamy People who would outlaw polygamy have to pay the price. That is, they are forced to tolerate men and women having illicit relations, which is undoubtedly a much more unsavoury