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SOCIAL CONCITIONS
335
16.30-34; 19.3-12). It was a general desire of the sons that their father should take rest and remain at ease while they themselves should shoulder the works of greater responsibilities and risk.
Elder brother's responsibility :-On the death of the father, the responsibility befell on the eldest brother. At the time the eldest brother acquired the responsibility of a father and he looked after the wellbeing of the whole family. Thus he became the head of the family. According to the rule of primogeniture, the eldest son became the king. It was the eldest son who was married first and thereafter followed the marriages of the younger ones. The elder brother was obeyed as the guardian (9.27-50; 38. 17). In accordance with Rāma's wishes after his return from exile Lakşmaņa accepted the rulership of Ayodhyā (85. 14-20).
Mutual affection between Brothers and Sisters : --Brothers had unbound love for one another. Bharata did not like to trangress the right of his elder brother, Rāma to the throne of Ayodhyā but he had to accept the crown when Rāma completely refused to becme the king and accepted voluntary exile (31. 90-92; 82.44-53). It was Lakşmana's unfettered affection for his elder brother that he accompanied Rāma in exile and fought for him against Rāvana. As a younger brother Lakşmana considered it his duty to prevent Rāma from exiling Sita but his efforts did not prevail (94. 5-20). It was the affection of Rāma for Satrughna that Rāma installed the latter as the king of the city of the latter's preference (86. I). Vibhīşaņa wanted good of his brother Rāvana. Therefore. he often advised the latter to release Sita but Rāvana's own misconduct brought about his own end (See 7. 15-35; 103. 10-15 also).
Brothers and sisters bore deep affection for each other. Brothers were prepared to take any risk for the safety and well-being of their sisters. (54.46; 55. 47). It was out of regard for his sister that Bhāmandala immediately ran to the assistance of Lavana and Arkuša fighting with Rāma (99. 35-44). Whenever a sister was kipnapped, abducted or seduced, her brother took immediate measures for her safety, security and well-being'. In distress a brother hoped to get shelter under his sister (77. 90). Similarly a sister sought help from her brother (64. 19-20). Sister's affection for her brother always remained alive. Sītā knew that her brother was kidnapped but when she suddenly heard of his presence she could not believe it and wept on remembering the unfortunate incident (30.33-35). It was an occasion of great
1. 9. 10-19; 77. 85-87.
