What was the primary reason for practising exogamy in the patrilineal system?

To establish alliances and connections with other families and communities

In the context of the patrilineal system, daughters held a different status compared to sons. While sons were crucial for maintaining the patrilineage and inheriting household resources, daughters were perceived differently within this structure. They did not have any claims to the resources of their natal household. However, marrying daughters into families outside their own kin was considered desirable. This practice, known as exogamy (meaning marrying outside), resulted in careful regulation of the lives of young girls and women from families of high status, ensuring they were married at the appropriate time and to suitable partners. As a consequence, the notion of kanyadana, wherein a daughter is given away in marriage by her father, was perceived as a significant religious duty.