Chapter 3: Kinship, Caste, and Class (Early Societies)
1. Introduction
Indian society in early times was shaped by kinship (family relations), caste (social
hierarchy), and class (economic divisions).
The study of kinship ties, caste rules, and social classes helps us understand ancient
Indian society.
Sources:
o Mahabharata (composed between 500 BCE - 400 CE) provides valuable
information about family life, social norms, and political structure.
o Dharmashastras (law books like Manusmriti) define rules of marriage,
inheritance, caste duties, and governance.
o Arthashastra (by Kautilya) provides insights into politics and economy.
2. Kinship and Family Structure
Kinship refers to relationships by blood, marriage, or adoption.
Family was the basic social unit, and kinship determined inheritance, succession,
and status.
A. Patriliny (Father’s Lineage)
Property was passed from father to son (Patrilineal succession).
Daughters had limited rights and usually did not inherit property.
Sons were preferred as they continued the family lineage and performed religious
rituals.
B. Matriliny (Rare Cases)
Some societies (e.g., early Sangam period in South India) followed matriliny, where
inheritance passed through the mother’s side.
C. Marriage Practices
Endogamy (marriage within the same caste or community) was encouraged.
Exogamy (marriage outside the gotra) was practiced, especially among Brahmins.
Polygamy (multiple wives) was common among rulers and elites.
Monogamy (one husband, one wife) was the ideal for common people.
Swayamvara: In royal families, women could choose their husbands through a public
ceremony.
3. The Gotra System (Among Brahmins)
Gotra = Clan name linked to an ancient sage (rishi).
Brahmins were required to marry outside their own gotra (Exogamy).
Women after marriage adopted their husband's gotra.
Example: Satavahana rulers claimed the Gautama gotra.
1. Introduction
Indian society in early times was shaped by kinship (family relations), caste (social
hierarchy), and class (economic divisions).
The study of kinship ties, caste rules, and social classes helps us understand ancient
Indian society.
Sources:
o Mahabharata (composed between 500 BCE - 400 CE) provides valuable
information about family life, social norms, and political structure.
o Dharmashastras (law books like Manusmriti) define rules of marriage,
inheritance, caste duties, and governance.
o Arthashastra (by Kautilya) provides insights into politics and economy.
2. Kinship and Family Structure
Kinship refers to relationships by blood, marriage, or adoption.
Family was the basic social unit, and kinship determined inheritance, succession,
and status.
A. Patriliny (Father’s Lineage)
Property was passed from father to son (Patrilineal succession).
Daughters had limited rights and usually did not inherit property.
Sons were preferred as they continued the family lineage and performed religious
rituals.
B. Matriliny (Rare Cases)
Some societies (e.g., early Sangam period in South India) followed matriliny, where
inheritance passed through the mother’s side.
C. Marriage Practices
Endogamy (marriage within the same caste or community) was encouraged.
Exogamy (marriage outside the gotra) was practiced, especially among Brahmins.
Polygamy (multiple wives) was common among rulers and elites.
Monogamy (one husband, one wife) was the ideal for common people.
Swayamvara: In royal families, women could choose their husbands through a public
ceremony.
3. The Gotra System (Among Brahmins)
Gotra = Clan name linked to an ancient sage (rishi).
Brahmins were required to marry outside their own gotra (Exogamy).
Women after marriage adopted their husband's gotra.
Example: Satavahana rulers claimed the Gautama gotra.
