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Life in Ancient India as Depicted in the Jain Canons, with Commentaries: An Administrative, Economic, Social and Geographical Survey c12.s10.t10: Marriage in Exchange

Life in Ancient India as Depicted in the Jain Canons, with Commentaries: An Administrative, Economic, Social and Geographical Survey c12.s10.t10

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Marriage in Exchange

c12.s10.t10.1

Marriages were arranged in exchange for giving one's own sister in marriage. We read about the marriage of Devadatta, who married the sister of Dhanadatta and in exchange gave his sister in marriage to him⁵⁶ The custom of marriage in exchange is still prevalent among the *caturvedis* of Mathura and other parts of United Province. The reason behind the custom seems to have been the dearth of girls in particular caste the members of which were not allowed to marry outside. It is known as *sāṇṭā* or *adalābadalā*.⁵⁷

c12.s10.t10.2

⁵⁶ *Pinda. Nir* 324 f. According to the Buddhist tradition, king Bimbisāra and Pasenadi of Kosala were connected by marriage, each having married a sister of the other (*Dhammapada A I*, p. 385)

c12.s10.t10.3

⁵⁷ See *Census India*, 1931, Vol I Pt I, p. 252

Cites (1)