Question

Which of the following statements is/are correct about the ideal of patriliny?

1. It had existed prior to the composition of the epic

2. Under patriliny, sons could claim the resources (including the throne in the case of kings) of their fathers when the latter died. 

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Both 1 and 2

The correct answer is Both 1 and 2.

• The Mahabharata is a story about the ideal of patriliny.
• It describes a feud over land and power between two groups of cousins, the Kauravas and the Pandavas, who belonged to a single ruling family, that of the Kurus, a lineage dominating one of the Janapadas
• Ultimately, the conflict ended in a battle, in which the Pandavas emerged victoriously.
• After that, patrilineal succession was proclaimed.
• While patriliny had existed before the composition of the epic, the central story of the Mahabharata reinforced the idea that it was valuable. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
• Under patriliny, sons could claim the resources (including the throne in the case of kings) of their fathers when the latter died. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
• Most ruling dynasties (c. sixth century BCE onwards) claimed to follow this system, although there were variations in practice
  • Sometimes there were no sons,
  • in some situations, brothers succeeded one another.
  • Sometimes other kinsmen claimed the throne.
  • In very exceptional circumstances, women such as Prabhavati Gupta exercised power.
• The concern with patriliny was not unique to ruling families.
• It is evident in mantras in ritual texts such as the Rigveda.
• It is possible that these attitudes were shared by wealthy men and those who claimed high status, including Brahmanas.