The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c23.34

v1.c23.34

The family represented in the law-books as the usual family is one where all the brothers live together as heirs of the father, who may or may not, as he or they prefer, divide his property during his life-time. The eldest son has certain rights of primogeniture, but, as said above (p. 284, *note*), they may be taken from him in case he is unworthy (Manu, IX, 213). The property of a childless wife belongs to her husband, unless she is married by a rite not countenanced by the law; in that case her property reverts to her parents. Woman's property consists only in wedding-gifts, tokens of affection, and gifts from her brothers, father, and mother, as also what is given her after marriage by her husband. All this goes to her children at her death.