The term used for tracing descent from father to son, grandson and so on:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Patriliny
Option (1) Patriliny — Correct. Patriliny means tracing descent from father to son, grandson and so on.
Option (2) Matriliny — Incorrect. Matriliny is the term used when descent is traced through the mother.
Option (3) Polygyny — Incorrect. Polygyny is a form of marriage, not of descent: the practice of a man having several wives.
Option (4) Polyandry — Incorrect. Polyandry is also a form of marriage: the practice of a woman having several husbands.
Note: A same/similar question was asked in CUET (UG) in the papers below.
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| – | 22-05 S1* | – | – | 16-07 S1 |
* A similar question.
NCERT (2026-27): “…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.” |