3. KINSHIP, CASTE AND CLASS EARLY SOCIETIES (с. 600 BCE-600 CЕ)
The chapter explores the complex social structures of early Indian societies, primarily focusing on kinship, caste, and class as depicted in the Mahabharata. It discusses the significance of patriliny in elite families, the variability of family structures, and the implications of marriage traditions. Additionally, it examines the tensions between Brahmanical and non-Brahmanical ideas on social organization and offers insights into how economic status impacted social differences.
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Sections
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What we have learnt
- Kinship relations were vital for the social organization of ancient Indian societies, with patrilineal structures often favored.
- Marriage norms varied significantly across cultures, with both exogamy and endogamy practices being documented.
- The caste system was more complex than the simple four-varna model, incorporating multiple jatis that often involved social mobility and integration.
Key Concepts
- -- Patriliny
- A system where lineage and inheritance are traced through the male line, often emphasized in elite families.
- -- Exogamy
- A marriage practice that involves marrying outside of a particular social group or kinship circle.
- -- Caste
- A social stratification system in India, historically organized into a hierarchy that regulates social interactions and occupations.
- -- Jati
- Subcategories within the caste system, often based on occupation and regional variations, which allowed for increased social mobility.
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