Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 212

Sec. III] STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATÍ SÚTRA Gähāvai (Householder)
The householder', who was generally the father or in his absence his eldest son (Jetthaputta), was the head of the family, the smallest social unit, having the full responsibility deciding authority, care and charge of the welfare of all its members. Family Relations
The Bhs presents a good account of a wider sphere of family relationsbip formed of great-grandfather, grandfather (Ajjaga pajjaga-piu-pajjagae),' mother and father (Ammāpiyaro)," aunt (l'iucchā), son (putte, Attae, Jāyā), husband (Bhatta),' wife (Bhajjā, daughter (Dhīyā), nephew (Bhättijjae, Bhāinojja),10 daughter-in-law (Sunha)," sister-in-law (Nanandā, Bhāijia)," brother-in-law (Sambandhi), 13 and grandson (Potte, Nattue),""
The mother was the object of more love and honour than father in the family, for the term "Ammā" (mother of the compound word Ammāpiyaro).5 is generally used before the term “Piya" (father).
The sphere of family relation was also extended to the friends, kinsmen and relatives (mittaņātiniyaga)16 and even to the attendants (pariyana)"? who were included in its gradation in the larger social circle.
Family servants.
In the list of the family members the BhS refers to several classes of servants and maids who have already been mentioned in connection with the topic «personal and palace-staff' in the sixth section of the third chapter on 'Political conditions.'
Besides them, female slaves also served the rich aristocratic and royal families, as it is evidenced by the fact that they
1 Bhs, 3, 1, 134 ; 15, 1, 541. * 16, 3, 1, 134 ; 11, 9, 117.
3 Ib, 9. 33, 384. 4 Ib, 9, 33, 384 ; 11, 11, 422.
6 Ib, 12,2, 441. 6 16;12, 9, 417; 12, 2, 441 13, 6, 491. 7.12 1b, 12. 2, 441. 18 16, 3, 1, 134.
14 16, 12, 2, 441 15 1b, 9, 33, 384. 16_17 10, 3, 1, 134 ; 9, 33, 385 ; 11, 9, 417; 11, 11, 429.