Hindu Law and Custom (Recht und Sitte) c7.513

c7.513

Marriage by capture is one of the famous eight forms of marriage the names of which are graduated according to the hierarchical order of the gods and demons whose names are connected with these forms of marriage. Marriage by capture however is generally permitted only to the Kṣatriyas if not altogether forbidden. Its designation Kṣātra Vivāha "the form of marriage appropriate for Kṣatriyas" (Vas. 1,29,34) expresses most clearly its connection with the warlike nobles ; even the unpublished Hār. 24 (as well as Mah. 13, 47, 10, where: however it is used in another connection) knows of this designation and besides it of course also the usual designation Rākṣasa Vivāha “demon marriage,” which like other authors he defines as forcible abduction. The Paiśāca Vivāha is the lowest form and is generally altogether rejected. According to Āśv. 1, 6, 7 however it is not merely an euphemism for rape as according to other interpretations, but consists of secret abduction and is therefore superior to the Rākṣasa Vivāha, abduction effected by means of violence and fighting.