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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.t11: Polygyny and Polyandry

Life in Ancient India as Depicted in the Jain Canons, with Commentaries: An Administrative, Economic, Social and Geographical Survey c12.s10.t11

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Polygyny and Polyandry

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As has been said above, begetting children was the chief goal of Hindu marriage. The continuity of the line depends on the male issue; hence the birth of sons was considered necessary. A son was genuinely believed to be necessary for spiritual salvation. The Hindu law-givers allowed a man to marry more than once. This was the underlying idea of polygamous system among the Hindus, though in later times it degenerated to such an extent that polygamy became a fashion with the rich Indians.⁵⁸

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⁵⁸ See Valvalkar, *Hindu Social Institutions*, p. 193.

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As a general rule in ancient times people were monogamous, and polygyny was a fashion among the rich and ruling sections of the society. The kings and princes considered it a privilege to have a crowded harem, which strengthened their political power by contracting numerous but judicious matrimonial alliances. The rich people regarded plurality of wives as a proof of their wealth, reputation and social position. References to polygyny are numerous in the Jain texts. In this connection the names of king Bharata, king Vikkamajasa,⁵⁹ king Seṇiya⁶⁰ and that of Gāhāvai Mahāsaya may be mentioned.⁶¹

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⁵⁹ *Uttarā Ṭī*, 18, p. 239.

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⁶⁰ *Anta*, 7, p. 43

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⁶¹ See Supra p. 157

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Unlike polygyny, polyandry was a rare incident in life. Of polyandrous marriage, we come across a solitary example of Dovai, which, of course, is a remnant of Epic Age.⁶² Polyandry is still practised among all classes and castes in Jaunsar-Bawar (district Dehra Dun).⁶³

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⁶² See also Altekar, *op cit*, pp. 132-4.

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⁶³ *Census. India*, 1931, Vol. I, Pt. I, p. 252.

Cites (2)