Indologists, not without reason, regard India as the cradle of civilization. Characterizing this exotic country, its main characteristic is called “unity in diversity”. The proverbs and sayings that are presented in the phraseological layer of this ancient people are unusually figurative and belong not only to native speakers of the Hindi language, but also Persian and Bengali, and Urdu, and dozens of others. Modern Indians think about women in two ways.
A woman in the meaning of "mother" is extremely revered in India. Indians say: "Mother and native land should be dearer than paradise."
A girl or a bride, especially an ugly one, in phraseological units is characterized rather not by herself, but by some abstract opportunity to fall in love with her. For example, a donkey was to my heart, so why the Tsar Maiden (literally "peri"). Or another proverb on the same topic: "If the frog liked the heart, so what is Padmini?" Padmini is a legendary queen, famous for her heavenly beauty. According to legend, Sultan Alauddin ordered to lay siege to her city in order to see her face.
A woman in the role of a wife is often viewed from the standpoint of polygamy. Very interesting proverbs and sayings are found in the language: "The husband of two wives is a dice." The second wife is compared, almost with a devil: "Guria, if she is a second wife, is worse than a witch."
The excessive extravagance of the husband is hinted at by another proverb: "A generous spouse will give away his trousers from his wife."
A subtle everyday observation reflects another proverb about the wife: "Married died, unmarried luck." A little cynical, but by the nature of things it is correct.
Indian men often deny women a brilliant intellect. They say: "Ridiculousness is the enemy of a woman, coughing is the enemy of a thief." The next proverb demonstrates the same statement: "Reason without courage is a property of women, courage without reason is a property of the brute."
Likewise, women are denied consistency: "Woman, wind and success are not constant." Or they are credited with unrestrained coquetry: “The woman talks to one, looks at the other coquettishly, thinks about the third. Who is dear to her?"
Some degree of rationality of women is allowed in the following proverb: "If women are placed under the supervision of men, then they are out of danger, only those out of danger who protect themselves of their own free will."
Indians and women of easy virtue did not ignore. For example, a whore has gingerbread in her house, and her boyfriends have a strict fast. In all likelihood, this feature was noticed by their wives. After going to a brothel, the pockets are always empty.
And in conclusion, one more proverb, strongly reminiscent of the European one: "A courtesan becomes an ascetic in her old age." To paraphrase, it will turn out: "And the devil went into old age as a monk."
