What was the term “vamsha” used for?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Lineage
Option (1) Family — Incorrect. Sanskrit texts use the term kula, not vamsha, for families.
Option (2) Kinfolk — Incorrect. The larger network of kinfolk is called jnati.
Option (3) Lineage — Correct. Vamsha is the term for lineage, a line of descent such as that of the Kurus, the lineage whose feud is the story of the Mahabharata.
Option (4) Cousin — Incorrect. A cousin is a single relative; the Kauravas and the Pandavas were cousins, but they belonged to one lineage, the Kurus.
NCERT (2026-27): “2.2 The ideal of patriliny … Can we identify points when kinship relations changed? At one level, the Mahabharata is a story about this. 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 (Chapter 2, Map 1). Ultimately, the conflict ended in a battle, in which the Pandavas emerged victorious. After that, patrilineal succession was proclaimed.… Terms for family and kin Sanskrit texts use the term kula to designate families and jnati for the larger network of kinfolk. The term vamsha is used for lineage.” |