Comprehension

Read the given source carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Here are the first, fourth, fifth and sixth forms of marriage from the Manusmriti :
First: The gift of a daughter, after dressing her in costly clothes and honouring her with presents of jewels, to a man learned in the Veda whom the father himself invites.
Fourth: The gift of a daughter by the father after he has addressed the couple with the text, “May both of you perform your duties together,” and has shown honour to the bridegroom.
Fifth: When the bridegroom receives a maiden, after having given as much wealth as he can afford to the kinsmen and to the bride herself, according to his own will.
Sixth: The voluntary union of a maiden and her lover … which springs from desire …

Question: 1

Explain why jewels and costly clothes were given in the first form of marriage.

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The first form (Brahma) is considered the most prestigious because the daughter is gifted willingly as a dowered gift (Kanyada) to a respected scholar, without any exchange of bride price or business transaction.

Updated On: Jul 28, 2026

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Question: 2

Explain the underlying idea behind the father honouring the bridegroom in the fourth form of marriage.

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In the Prajapatya form, the primary emphasis is on the joint performance of civic and religious duties (Dharma) by the couple throughout their lives, rather than the exchange of wealth.

Updated On: Jul 28, 2026

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Question: 3

How had these marriages influenced the social practices in the later Indian society?

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Dividing marriages into “approved” (first four) and “condemned” (last four) allowed Brahmanical authors to regulate social alliances, restrict female choice, and preserve strict caste structures.

Updated On: Jul 28, 2026

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