The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v1.c7.s7.36

v1.c7.s7.36

The joint-family system was another normal feature of society during this period. Several of the inscriptions found at Amarāvatī refer to gifts made by persons in common with their parents, wives, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, grandsons, granddaughters, &c., as the case may be.⁵ The various members of the group are mentioned in the order of their place in the family; the father is given precedence over the mother, the son over the daughter, the brother over the sister, &c. This is merely a reflection of the Āryan patriarchal system and does not indicate that women were relegated to an inferior position in society. In the contemporary stone records a number of ladies are found making gifts, sometimes very costly, at Nāsik, Kuda, Kārle, and Amarāvatī. According to Dr. K. Gopalachari's estimate, 'of the nearly 145 epigraphs from Amarāvatī 72, out of the 30 at Kuda 13, out of the 29 from Nāsik 16, either record gifts by ladies or gifts with the giving of which ladies are associated'.⁶