Which of the following has no historical or anthropological evidence?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → Matriarchy

Option (1) Patriarchy — Has evidence (Incorrect). A patriarchal family structure, where the men exercise authority and dominance, is found in society after society.

Option (2) Matriarchy — Has no evidence (Correct). Matriarchy would be a society where women play the dominant role that men play under patriarchy. Unlike patriarchy, it has been a theoretical rather than an empirical concept: there is no historical or anthropological evidence of societies where women exercise dominance.

Option (3) Matriliny — Has evidence (Incorrect). Matrilineal societies do exist: property passes from mother to daughter, but the women do not exercise control over it, nor are they the decision makers in public affairs.

Option (4) Patriliny — Has evidence (Incorrect). Patrilineal societies, which pass on property from father to son, are the common pattern in India.

NCERT (2025-26): “The Diverse Forms of the Family … With regard to the rules of inheritance, matrilineal societies pass on property from mother to daughter while patrilineal societies do so from father to son. A patriarchal family structure exists where the men exercise authority and dominance, and matriarchy where the women play a similarly dominant role. However, matriarchy – unlike patriarchy – has been a theoretical rather than an empirical concept. There is no historical or anthropological evidence of matriarchy – i.e., societies where women exercise dominance. However, there do exist matrilineal societies, i.e., societies where women inherit property from their mothers but do not exercise control over it, nor are they the decision makers in public affairs.”