Question

the mahabharat is a story of change in relationship. Discuss how did it strengthen the ideal of patriliny​

Answer 1

Answer:

Mahabharata is the longest written epic poem in history. It was written by Vyasa originally in Sanskrit. The final form of the epic consisted of over 2 lakh verses. The epic describes a dispute over land and power between two groups of cousins, the Kauravas and the Pandavas. But they belonged to the single royal family of the Kurus. The conflict which stated as small disputes and skirmishes ended in a war. Ultimately the Pandavas became victorious.

Mahabharata portrays the story of kinship and relationships. It depicts the story of two groups of cousins, the Kauravas and the Pandavas belonging to the single royal family of the Kurus. They grew up together and are sent to the same gurukul. But with the passage of time, the displeasure between them increased that resulted in the Mahabharata war between them. It gives a deep analysis of the relationships between the family clans and their behaviour.

Patriliny is tracing the descent of the family in different generations from father to son, grandson and so on. It is the method of tracing the ancestry from the paternal side. After the victory of the Pandavas, the patrilineal succession was declared. Even though patriliny had existed prior to the composition of the epic, the Mahabharata strengthened that it was important to follow the tradition to ensure the stability of the system. Under this, sons could claim the resources, positions and wealth of their fathers when the latter died.

The status of daughters is given in an entirely different viewpoint in the epic. Unlike the sons, the daughters had no claims to the resources, position and power of the family. Also marrying them into families outside the kin was considered appropriate. Marrying daughters to a different clan were considered desirable at the right time and to the right person. Thus, this was considered to be an important religious duty of the father. The organisation of swayamwara to Draupathi is part of this system of exogamy. Also, her marriage with the five Pandavas is the practice of polyandry, in which a woman can have several husbands.

Thus the Mahabharata can also be identified as a story of kinship, marriages and patriliny.

Explanation: