Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s18.237

v1.c3.s18.237

As for the method of division, it is clear from the Taittirīya Saṃhitā⁶ that the elder son was usually preferred; perhaps this was always the case after death. During the father's lifetime another might be preferred, as appears from a passage of the Pañcaviṃśa Brāhmaṇa.⁷ Women were excluded from partition or inheritance, according to the Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa⁸ and the Nirukta.⁹ They were, no doubt, supported by their brothers; but if they had none they might be reduced to prostitution.¹⁰ Detailed rules of inheritance appear in the Sūtras.¹¹