It is often said that the past holds up a mirror to the future; but the past is probably more relevant to explain the present for, only by pausing, looking back and reflecting will we be able to build an ideal future. This rings especially true for the Indian legal structure which is constantly evolving to remain relevant for modern times. The roots of the Hindu Personal Laws that are used today can be traced back to the Manusmriti1. Several Hindu Personal Laws were codified during the colonial regime and acquired their present form immediately after independence. One of the most pertinent changes that these Personal Laws have witnessed is the change in the status of women right from the roots of the law in the Manusmariti to their codification during the colonial regime and their current form. This essay attempts to analyse these changes. There are four Hindu Personal Laws- Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, Hindu Succession Act, 1956, Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956 and Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956. Their roots can be loosely traced back to pre-colonial times where traditions and scriptures governed daily and personal life. Post-independence, these laws have undergone several amendments and changes that have greatly helped in the evolution and positive change in the status of women.