Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Ancient India: Kinship, Caste and Class

Question:

Which of the following is true regarding the Mahabharata's impact on kinship relations?

Options:

It reinforced the existing idea of patrilineal succession

It abolished the concept of kinship among ruling families

It advocated for matrilineal inheritance practices

None of the above

Correct Answer:

It reinforced the existing idea of patrilineal succession

Explanation:

One significant instance that sheds light on how kinship relations changed is narrated in the Mahabharata, which serves as a tale depicting the transformation of kinship relations. The epic revolves around a feud over land and power between two groups of cousins, the Kauravas and the Pandavas, who were part of the ruling family of the Kurus, a prominent lineage dominating one of the janapadas (territories) .

The conflict eventually culminated in a battle, wherein the Pandavas emerged victorious. Following this decisive event, the concept of patrilineal succession was proclaimed. It's worth noting that while patriliny already existed before the composition of the Mahabharata, the central narrative of the epic reinforced the idea and its significance. Under the patrilineal system, sons gained the right to claim the resources, including the throne in the case of kings, of their fathers upon their demise.