Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s1.6

c7.s1.6

In one respect Hindu and Muslim society agree, that is in giving a distinct preference to a male over a female. A son is always preferred to a daughter, and among the sons, a preference goes to the first-born.² Another common feature of both social systems is a certain love and regard for parents which is reciprocal; for the parents in their turn are very solicitous and unduly affectionate.³ On the whole, the Indian family tradition develops the feeling of mutual dependence and joint relationship to a far larger extent than the small families of western countries. Possessing, as they do, no other but common property, and have an equal share in all the material enjoyments of fortune, the members of a joint family escape the disheartening influence of economic competition. The conditions of their life necessarily develop among them all the consciousness of mutual responsibility and the conviction that without one another they cannot overcome the dangers and difficulties of life.⁴ On the other hand the joint family militates against the development of individuality. It curbs the spirit of enterprise and the feeling of self-reliance, so essential for the industrial progress of a country in modern times.¹