History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v4.c63.1105

v4.c63.1105

This evolution of the son's right to demand partition even during the father's lifetime received a fillip from certain religious sentiments entertained in ancient times. Gaut. (28. 4) remarks that if, instead of remaining united, brothers separate there is increase of spiritual merit (*vibhāge tu dharmavṛddhiḥ*). Manu IX. 111 states "they (the brothers) may stay united or may stay separate if they desire an increase of *dharma*; by living separate *dharma* increases; therefore separation is meritorious".¹⁰⁷²