Some Modern Concepts of Marriage in the Smrti Literature
Summary
Sunanda Y. Shastri examines marriage in Smrti literature, arguing that these texts, including the Manavadharmasastra, Visnusmrti, Yajnavalkyasmrti, and Naradasmrti, are crucial for understanding ancient Indian social practices and legal frameworks. The author posits that marriage was a fundamental religious and social duty, essential for performing religious rites and producing children, rather than a means of pleasure. The institution is portrayed as complex, encompassing legality, inheritance, divorce, remarriage, and widow-marriage. The article details several modern concepts of marriage. The choice of a bridegroom and bride evolved, with the Manusmrti emphasizing the bride's physical attributes while the Naradasmrti stressed the maiden's consent. A unique virility test for the groom is also noted. The text categorizes eight forms of marriage, from the praiseworthy Brahma to the condemned Paisaca, with differing legal standings among the varnas. Anuloma and Pratidoma marriages, which were inter-varna unions, created specific progeny castes like the Chandala and were criticized for causing social confusion. The author discusses monogamy as the general rule, though exceptions like polygamy among kings and sages existed. Divorce was restricted, with abandonment permitted for specific reasons, often favoring men. Remarriage for women was advocated in cases of a lost, dead, ascetic, impotent, or expelled husband. Levirate (Niyoga) and sonorate were practiced to ensure male progeny and continue lineages. Finally, the article outlines social arrangements for children born out of wedlock, such as Datrima and Krtima, showing the law's attempt to integrate and protect these individuals within the social structure.
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Conclusion
The Smrti literature reveals a complex and evolving understanding of marriage in ancient India, establishing it primarily as a religious and social duty rather than a source of pleasure. The texts, particularly the Manusmrti and Naradasmrti, outline detailed regulations regarding the choice of partners, including the introduction of the maiden's consent and the unique virility test for the groom. The classification of eight forms of marriage, ranging from the highly praised Brahma Vivaha to the condemned Paisaca, reflects a nuanced legal and moral framework. Furthermore, the rigid varna system led to the institutionalization of Anuloma and Pratidoma marriages, resulting in the creation of numerous sub-castes. Despite the general prescription of monogamy, provisions for polygamy, divorce, remarriage, levirate, and sonorate demonstrate the texts' pragmatic approach to ensuring social stability, lineage continuation, and the welfare of women and children born outside conventional wedlock.