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Vol XXII, 1998
SOME MODERN CONCEPTS OF
a means of pleasure it was one of the major-acts of refinement (samskāras) One became a house-holder after marriage and was thus authorised to perform duties towards elders, children, society and religion Views about marnage were found transitory and more and more social aspects came to be discussed in connection with marriage One view from Manu's famous text is, 'external laws for husband and wife are to keep them on the path of duty, whether they are separated or united Another famous text that of Nārada (3rd CAD), says that the legal rules are laid down regarding marriage and other mutual relations between husband and wife The marriage is discussed here regarding following topics - [1] Choice of bridegroom and bride, [2] man's virility test, [3] forms of marriage, [4] Anuloma and Pratiloma marriage (marriage in direct order of Varnas and
in inverse order of Varnas) and social arrangement for their progeny [5] Monogamy, polygamy and polyandry, [6] Divorce and separation, [7] Remarriage, [8] Levilate and sonorate, and [9] Arrangement for the children born without wedlock (1) Choice of bridegroom and bride Manusmrti gives stress on the choice of bride-groom Manu has given in detail the qualities of maiden one should choose as a bride He prescribes the right colour of her eyes and hair, her health, family background and he even wants to consider her names Woman's choice about her life partner is not considered at all A later work, like Nāradasmrti, stresses completely on the choice of maiden It is considered important and consent given by the girl is an essential part of marriage Her acceptance of marnage proposal and her consent in clear words is considered as bethrothaló (2) Man's virility test Here a very unique view comes up, which probably is the first of its kind in the smrti literature Young man seeking hand of the maiden had to undergo
