India is a country with rich culture and high values. Women the back bone of our culture and civilization have been highly respected in Indian society from ancient times. Women have had opportunities in education, administration, ownership of property and in pursuing of a profession. Professions like teaching, weaving, animal husbandry and house-keeping were easily taken up by women in ancient and medieval period. But as India was subject to invasions during the medieval and later period they had to be protected and their freedom seemed to be curbed. Later, with colonial rule and by the influence of western culture it is misunderstood that Indian women were suppressed and not given their due rights or freedom. A survey of the literature from the Vedic times reveals the true spirit of Bhārat, where women held the utmost respect and freedom. This article shall give a bird’s-eye view of women as portrayed in Sanskrit literature through different centuries, serving as an eye-opener for every Indian woman.