The worth of a civilization can be judged by the place given to women in the society. Of the several factors that justify the greatness of India's ancient culture, one of the greatest is the honoured place ascribed to women. Manu, the great lawgiver, said long ago, 'where women are honoured there reside the gods'. According to ancient Hindu scriptures, a man without the participation of his wife can perform no religious rite with perfection. A wife’s participation is important in some religions, such as in Hinduism.