Final answer:
In the classical era, Indian women had relatively more privileges compared to Chinese women, especially in societal and religious contexts. This was despite both cultures having limited freedoms for women, with the Chinese experiencing stricter confinement to domestic roles due to Confucian values.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the classical era, the roles of women in India and China differed in ways that were marked by both cultural norms and legal constraints. In the context of the comparison between ancient India and ancient China, there is evidence that points to some differences in treatment and freedoms for women in these regions.
In India, although still limited in many respects, women had some degree of religious presence and influence. Furthermore, during different periods and in varying locales within India, there were instances where women had more involvement in rituals and some might have even occupied significant societal or religious positions. By contrast, in Confucian China, women were often confined to a more domestic role, with an emphasis on filial piety and obedience to the male members of the family – a principle that restricted their public and political roles.
Considering the available historical accounts, it can be challenging to unequivocally state which civilization granted women the most privileges and freedoms. However, it appears that, depending on the specific time and place within these broad civilizations, Indian women may have exercised a greater level of influence in religious and societal contexts compared to their Chinese counterparts, whose lives were heavily influenced by the rigid Confucian social hierarchy.
In terms of privileges and freedoms during the classical era, it seems that Indian women had more privileges (a), relatively speaking, than Chinese women, although these privileges were still limited in scope when compared to the rights women have in many societies today.