The Social and Military Position of the Ruling Caste in Ancient India, as Represented by the Sanskrit Epic c2.s6.70

c2.s6.70

Necessary and important is the evidence of the Greeks, with which I leave the subject. It proves that seven was regarded as an age fit for marriage. ’Εν δὲ τῇ χώρῃ ταύτῃ ἵνα ἐβασίλευσεν ἡ θυγάτηρ τοῦ ‘Ηρακλέος, τὰς μὲν γυναῖκας ἑπταέτεας ἐούσας ἐς ὥρην γάμου ἰέναι, τοὺς δὲ ἄνδρας τεσσαράκοντα ἔτεα τὰ πλεῖστα βιώσκεσθαι (Arrian, Ind. 23, c. 9). Μεγασθένης δέ φησιν τὰς ἐν Πανδαίᾳ (?) κατοικούσας γυναῖκας ἑξαετεῖς γινομένας τίκτειν (Phlegon, Mirab.).