Re: Common misconceptions about Hinduism
I have never heard of Vedic or Upanishad mentions of divorce (ofcourse my knowledge of these have gaps) nor have I heard of any old practice such as that.
Culturally present days, I think Hindu families, even when incompatibilities become severe, try to keep it together for the sake of children. I have seen a few families where tension is somewhat visible but instead of just 'separating' they persevere I guess.
I do know of two cases (related to me) where the husband was a habitual drunk (with the attendant unpleasantness of that habit) - in both cases there were children. The couple did divorce but the man's parents and relatives actually fully supported the woman throughout ...it is now almost 30 years since the divorces took place and the wives are as much part of our extended family as if they were born into it!