Question

Identify the system of succession that was emphasised by ruling dynasties from the sixth century BCE onwards and reinforced in the Mahabharata.

• A. Electoral succession
• B. Fraternal succession
• C. Patriliny succession
• D. Matriliny succession

Hint:

Patriliny = Father's line (Pita). Matriliny = Mother's line (Mata). The Mahabharata is fundamentally a story about the breakdown and eventual restoration of patrilineal order.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:

• Patriliny is a system where descent and inheritance are traced through the male line, from father to son, grandson, and so on.
• This system became the norm for royal succession and property inheritance in ancient Indian society.

Step 1: Review the social evolution from 6th Century BCE
With the rise of Mahajanapadas and early kingdoms, there was a shift towards more rigid social structures.
Dynastic rule became the standard, where the eldest son was usually seen as the rightful heir to the throne.

Step 2: Analyze the central theme of the Mahabharata
The core conflict of the Mahabharata is between two sets of cousins, the Kauravas and the Pandavas, over the succession to the throne of Hastinapur.
This struggle highlights the importance of patrilineal descent and the legal complexities of who constitutes a 'son' and rightful heir.

Step 3: Confirm the terminology
While succession occasionally went to a brother (fraternal) if there were no sons, the ideal and the overarching system remained Patriliny.
Matriliny (tracing through the mother) was extremely rare in Northern Indian dynasties of that era.