Consider the following statements regarding gendered access to property according to the Manusmriti: 1. Women could claim a share of the paternal resources if they remained unmarried. 2. The paternal estate was to be divided equally amongst sons after the death of the parents. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 only Explanation The Manusmriti is a foundational Dharmashastra text that codifies social laws, including rules regarding inheritance (Dayabhaga) and gendered access to wealth in ancient India. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect: According to the Manusmriti, the paternal estate was to be divided equally amongst the sons after the death of the parents. While the text mentions a special share for the eldest son, the primary right to inheritance of the paternal estate belonged exclusively to the male lineage. - Statement 2 is Correct: Women were explicitly excluded from claiming a share of the paternal resources (land, house, or cattle). Instead, women were allowed to retain the gifts they received on the occasion of their marriage, known as stridhana (literally, a woman’s wealth). This could be inherited by their children, without the husband having any claim on it. Key Takeaway: In the Manusmriti, inheritance of paternal property was patrilineal (restricted to sons), while women’s property rights were limited to stridhana (marital gifts).

NCERT Class 12 History — Chapter 3: Kinship, Caste and Class - Early Societies (c. 600 BCE - 600 CE)

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Consider the following statements regarding gendered access to property according to the Manusmriti:

Women could claim a share of the paternal resources if they remained unmarried.
The paternal estate was to be divided equally amongst sons after the death of the parents.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

2 only

Explanation

The Manusmriti is a foundational Dharmashastra text that codifies social laws, including rules regarding inheritance (Dayabhaga) and gendered access to wealth in ancient India.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: According to the Manusmriti, the paternal estate was to be divided equally amongst the sons after the death of the parents. While the text mentions a special share for the eldest son, the primary right to inheritance of the paternal estate belonged exclusively to the male lineage.
Statement 2 is Correct: Women were explicitly excluded from claiming a share of the paternal resources (land, house, or cattle). Instead, women were allowed to retain the gifts they received on the occasion of their marriage, known as stridhana (literally, a woman’s wealth). This could be inherited by their children, without the husband having any claim on it.

Key Takeaway:
In the Manusmriti, inheritance of paternal property was patrilineal (restricted to sons), while women’s property rights were limited to stridhana (marital gifts).

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Kinship, Caste and Class - Early Societies (c. 600 BCE - 600 CE)

With reference to the story of Ekalavya and Drona, consider the following statements: 1. Drona refused to teach Ekalavya because he did not belong to the Kuru lineage. 2. Ekalavya offered his right thumb as a fee to Drona. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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In ancient Sanskrit texts, the term ‘mlechchha’ was commonly used to refer to which of the following groups?

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In the epic Mahabharata, Ekalavya is described as belonging to which of the following social categories?

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According to the prescriptions of the Manusmriti, women were warned against hoarding family property or personal valuables without the permission of whom?

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Who among the following excavated the village of Hastinapura in Meerut in 1951-52?

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Keep practising Chapter 3: Kinship, Caste and Class - Early Societies (c. 600 BCE - 600 CE)

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The correct option is

2 only

Explanation

The Manusmriti is a foundational Dharmashastra text that codifies social laws, including rules regarding inheritance (Dayabhaga) and gendered access to wealth in ancient India.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: According to the Manusmriti, the paternal estate was to be divided equally amongst the sons after the death of the parents. While the text mentions a special share for the eldest son, the primary right to inheritance of the paternal estate belonged exclusively to the male lineage.
Statement 2 is Correct: Women were explicitly excluded from claiming a share of the paternal resources (land, house, or cattle). Instead, women were allowed to retain the gifts they received on the occasion of their marriage, known as stridhana (literally, a woman’s wealth). This could be inherited by their children, without the husband having any claim on it.

Key Takeaway:
In the Manusmriti, inheritance of paternal property was patrilineal (restricted to sons), while women’s property rights were limited to stridhana (marital gifts).