Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s18.212

v1.c3.s18.212

1. Dāna, ‘giving,’ ‘gift,’ is a word of frequent occurrence in the Rigveda, especially in the Dāna-stutis¹ (‘Praises of Gifts’) of generous patrons (see Dakṣiṇā). One of the characteristics of the Brāhmaṇa is his right to receive gifts, which it is obligatory on the other castes to present.² The gift of a daughter (kanyāyā dānam) was a form of marriage³ (see Vivāha), because in it the girl was ‘given’ away by her father or brother.