Question

Which of the following states that the paternal estate was to be divided equally amongst sons after the death of the parents, with a special share for the eldest?

Options

• Vishnusmriti

• Vyasasmriti

• Likhitasmriti

• Manusmriti

Answer 1

Manusmriti

Explanation:

The Manusmriti, one of the oldest and most important Dharmashastra texts, states that after the death of the parents, the paternal estate should be divided equally among the sons, with the eldest son receiving an extra share as a mark of respect and responsibility. This reflects the early Hindu law of inheritance, emphasizing equality with a slight preference to primogeniture.