Rikki-Tikki-Tavi what or the role of the wives in the story?

Despite the relatively chauvinistic times the story of Rikki-tikki-tavi is set, the wives play a considerably important part. Teddy's unnamed mother is central to the decision for Rikki-tikki to remain in the household, Darzees' wife has an important part in Rikki-tikkis' plan to destroy Nagainas' eggs and ultimatley Nagaina proves to be a more dangerous enemy than her husband Nag.