Kinship Test-1

Sanskrit texts use the term kula to designate families and jnati for the larger network of kinfolk.

The term vamsha is used for lineage.

Patriliny means tracing descent from father to son, grandson and so on.

Matriliny is the term used when descent is traced through the mother.

Endogamy refers to marriage within a unit – this could be a kin group, caste, or a group living in the same locality. Exogamy refers to marriage outside the unit.

Polygyny is the practice of a man having several wives. Polyandry is the practice of a woman having several

husbands.

According to the Shastras, only Kshatriyas could be kings. However, several important ruling lineages probably had different origins. The social background of the Mauryas, who ruled over a large empire, has been hotly debated. While later Buddhist texts suggested they were Kshatriyas, Brahmanical texts described them as being of “low” origin.

Shakas who came from Central Asia, were regarded as mlechchhas, barbarians or outsiders by the Brahmanas. However, one of the earliest inscriptions in Sanskrit describes how Rudradaman, the best-known Shaka ruler (c. second century CE), rebuilt Sudarshana lake.

From c. 1000 BCE, people (especially Brahmanas) were classified into different gotras.Each gotra was named after a Vedic seer, and all those who belonged to the same gotra were regarded as his descendants. There were 2 rules of gotras - Women had to give up their father’s gotra and adopt husband; s gotra aftermarriage and members of the same gotra could not marry.

Mausmriti is considered the most important Dharma Sutra and Dharmashastra. It was compiled between 200 BCE and 200 CE. This laid down rules governing social life.

 Patriliny means tracing descent from father to son, grandson and so on. It was not only limited to the ruling families.

Matriliny means the descent traced through the mother.