This research paper explores two timeless ancient texts, Manusmriti and Arthashastra, to find out the historical roots of gendered vigilantism in India and how behavioral frameworks mentioned in these texts continue to influence contemporary attitudes towards women’s identity and autonomy. Through close examination of these texts as well as interpretations, this research paper explores the parts of women’s autonomy including mobility, marriage choices, public conduct, and moral duties. The two texts discussed in this paper differ in intent and ideology, but both suggest a similar control over women. Manusmriti, being a normative text, enforces a moral universe for women based on purity, obedience and patriarchal guardianship whereas Arthashastra, a pragmatic and political treatise, suggests state led methods of regulation, punishment and strategic control. This shared framework for discipline and regulation, normalized surveillance as an essential social practice. These ancient norms can be traced into contemporary practices such as control of women’s movement, dress codes, violence based on honor, and restrictions in public and private places, including homes, colleges, offices, etc. Therefore, this paper argues that modern-day cultural policing is not the latest phenomenon but an extension of long-lived cultural traditions. This research paper establishes a relationship between historical legacies and contemporary treatment of women, highlighting the need to reexamine these norms to create a more equal and harmonious society.