With reference to the inheritance rules in the Manusmriti, consider the following statements: 1. The paternal estate was to be inherited solely by the eldest son. 2. The eldest son was entitled to a special share. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 only Explanation The Manusmriti (Laws of Manu) is a prominent Dharmashastra text that codifies ancient Indian social laws, duties, and customs. It provides specific guidelines regarding the division of paternal property and inheritance rights among heirs. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Manusmriti does not prescribe the rule of primogeniture (where the eldest son inherits everything) for the division of ordinary paternal estate. Instead, it mandates that the paternal estate is to be divided among all sons after the death of the parents. - Statement 2 is Correct. While the property was to be shared, the text assigns a special status to the eldest son. He was entitled to a "special share" (often termed Jyeshthabhaga) or a distinct additional portion of the property before the remainder was divided equally among the brothers. Key Takeaway According to the Manusmriti, paternal estate inheritance involved a division among all sons, but the eldest son was granted a preferential or special share; women generally did not inherit paternal land but retained rights over Stridhana.

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

mcqeasy

With reference to the inheritance rules in the Manusmriti, consider the following statements:

The paternal estate was to be inherited solely by the eldest son.
The eldest son was entitled to a special share.

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 (Laws of Manu) is a prominent Dharmashastra text that codifies ancient Indian social laws, duties, and customs. It provides specific guidelines regarding the division of paternal property and inheritance rights among heirs.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Manusmriti does not prescribe the rule of primogeniture (where the eldest son inherits everything) for the division of ordinary paternal estate. Instead, it mandates that the paternal estate is to be divided among all sons after the death of the parents.
Statement 2 is Correct. While the property was to be shared, the text assigns a special status to the eldest son. He was entitled to a "special share" (often termed Jyeshthabhaga) or a distinct additional portion of the property before the remainder was divided equally among the brothers.

Key Takeaway

According to the Manusmriti, paternal estate inheritance involved a division among all sons, but the eldest son was granted a preferential or special share; women generally did not inherit paternal land but retained rights over Stridhana.

Your note

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The correct option is
2 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Manusmriti does not prescribe the rule of primogeniture (where the eldest son inherits everything) for the division of ordinary paternal estate. Instead, it mandates that the paternal estate is to be divided among all sons after the death of the parents.
Statement 2 is Correct. While the property was to be shared, the text assigns a special status to the eldest son. He was entitled to a "special share" (often termed Jyeshthabhaga) or a distinct additional portion of the property before the remainder was divided equally among the brothers.