Different Forms of Marriage Practiced in Ancient India for RAS/RTS (Rajasthan) Prelims and Mains Examination

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1.   Brahma     Duly dowered girl to a man of the same class 2.   Daiva     Father gives daughter to a sacrificial priest as a part of his fee 3.   Arsa       A token bride price of a cow & a bull is given in place of the dowry 4.   Prajapatya     Father gives girl without dowry & without demanding the bride price 5.   Gandharva     Love Marriage 6.   Asura     In which bride was bought from her father 7.   Rakshasa     Marriage by capture, practiced especially by warriors. 8.   Paishacha     Marriage by seduction Daiva marriage was considered ideal while paisacha the worst.

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Marriage is a sacred institution in Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism, and there are many different forms of marriage that have been practiced in ancient India. The eight main forms of marriage are:

• Brahma Marriage: This is the ideal form of marriage, in which the bride and groom are of equal social status and are married with the Consent of their parents.
• Daiva Marriage: This is a form of marriage in which the bride and groom are married in exchange for a gift, such as a cow or a piece of land.
• Arsha Marriage: This is a form of marriage in which the bride and groom are married through the exchange of fire.
• Prajapatya Marriage: This is a form of marriage in which the bride and groom are married through the exchange of vows.
• Gandharva Marriage: This is a form of marriage in which the bride and groom are married through love.
• Asura Marriage: This is a form of marriage in which the bride and groom are married through force.
• Rakshasa Marriage: This is a form of marriage in which the bride and groom are married through abduction.
• Paisacha Marriage: This is a form of marriage in which the bride and groom are married through deception.

The Brahma Marriage is considered to be the most sacred form of marriage, as it is based on love, respect, and mutual understanding. The Daiva Marriage is a form of marriage that is based on social status, and it is often seen as a way to improve one’s social standing. The Arsha Marriage is a form of marriage that is based on religious beliefs, and it is often seen as a way to please the gods. The Prajapatya Marriage is a form of marriage that is based on the principle of Equality, and it is often seen as a way to create a harmonious Society. The Gandharva Marriage is a form of marriage that is based on love and passion, and it is often seen as a way to achieve true happiness. The Asura Marriage is a form of marriage that is based on power and control, and it is often seen as a way to dominate others. The Rakshasa Marriage is a form of marriage that is based on violence and aggression, and it is often seen as a way to destroy others. The Paisacha Marriage is a form of marriage that is based on deception and trickery, and it is often seen as a way to take advantage of others.

In ancient India, marriage was not just a union between two individuals, but also a union between two families. The parents of the bride and groom would often play a major role in arranging the marriage, and they would carefully consider the social status, wealth, and religious beliefs of the two families before making a decision. The marriage ceremony itself would be a lavish affair, and it would often be attended by hundreds of guests.

In modern India, marriage is still a very important institution, but the way in which marriages are arranged has changed significantly. Today, most marriages are not arranged by the parents, but rather by the couple themselves. However, the traditional Hindu values of love, respect, and mutual understanding are still very important in modern Indian marriages.

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about Different Forms of Marriage Practiced in Ancient India:

1. What are the different forms of marriage practiced in ancient India?

There were eight forms of marriage practiced in ancient India: Brahma, Daiva, Arsha, Prajapatya, Gandharva, Asura, Rakshasa, and Paisacha.

1. What is Brahma marriage?

Brahma marriage is the most sacred form of marriage. It is a form of marriage in which the bride and groom are married by a priest.

1. What is Daiva marriage?

Daiva marriage is a form of marriage in which the bride and groom are married by a fire sacrifice.

1. What is Arsha marriage?

Arsha marriage is a form of marriage in which the bride and groom are married by a gift of a cow and a bull.

1. What is Prajapatya marriage?

Prajapatya marriage is a form of marriage in which the bride and groom are married by the exchange of garlands.

1. What is Gandharva marriage?

Gandharva marriage is a form of marriage in which the bride and groom are married by mutual consent.

1. What is Asura marriage?

Asura marriage is a form of marriage in which the bride and groom are married by force.

1. What is Rakshasa marriage?

Rakshasa marriage is a form of marriage in which the bride and groom are married by abduction.

1. What is Paisacha marriage?

Paisacha marriage is a form of marriage in which the bride and groom are married by deception.

1. Which form of marriage was considered the most sacred?

Brahma marriage was considered the most sacred form of marriage.

1. Which form of marriage was considered the most common?

Gandharva marriage was considered the most common form of marriage.

1. Which form of marriage was considered the most controversial?

Rakshasa marriage was considered the most controversial form of marriage.

1. What were the reasons for the decline of the different forms of marriage in ancient India?

The different forms of marriage in ancient India declined due to a number of factors, including the rise of Hinduism, the spread of Islam, and the British colonial rule.

1. What are the different forms of marriage practiced in India today?

The most common forms of marriage practiced in India today are Hindu marriage, Muslim marriage, and Christian marriage.

1. What are the legal requirements for marriage in India?

The legal requirements for marriage in India vary depending on the religion of the couple. For example, Hindu marriages are governed by the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, while Muslim marriages are governed by the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937.

1. What are the rights and responsibilities of married couples in India?

The rights and responsibilities of married couples in India are governed by the laws of the country. For example, the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, grants married couples the right to live together, the right to have children, and the Right to Property.

1. What are the grounds for divorce in India?

The grounds for divorce in India vary depending on the religion of the couple. For example, the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, grants couples the right to divorce on the grounds of adultery, cruelty, desertion, and insanity.

1. What are the effects of divorce on children in India?

The effects of divorce on children in India can be significant. Children of divorced parents may experience emotional distress, financial hardship, and social isolation.

1. What are the government’s efforts to support families in India?

The government of India has a number of programs in place to support families. These programs include the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).

1. What are the challenges facing families in India?

The challenges facing families in India include POVERTY, Unemployment, and social inequality. These challenges can make it difficult for families to meet their basic needs and to provide a safe and supportive Environment for their children.

Question 1

Which of the following is not a form of marriage practiced in ancient India?

(A) Brahma marriage
(B) Gandharva marriage
(C) Asura marriage
(D) Rakshasa marriage

Answer

(D)

Rakshasa marriage is not a form of marriage practiced in ancient India. The other three Options are forms of marriage practiced in ancient India.

Question 2

In which form of marriage, the bride and groom are married by a priest?

(A) Brahma marriage
(B) Gandharva marriage
(C) Asura marriage
(D) Prajapatya marriage

Answer

(A)

In Brahma marriage, the bride and groom are married by a priest. The other three options are not forms of marriage in which the bride and groom are married by a priest.

Question 3

In which form of marriage, the bride and groom elope?

(A) Brahma marriage
(B) Gandharva marriage
(C) Asura marriage
(D) Prajapatya marriage

Answer

(B)

In Gandharva marriage, the bride and groom elope. The other three options are not forms of marriage in which the bride and groom elope.

Question 4

In which form of marriage, the bride is purchased by the groom?

(A) Brahma marriage
(B) Gandharva marriage
(C) Asura marriage
(D) Daiva marriage

Answer

(C)

In Asura marriage, the bride is purchased by the groom. The other three options are not forms of marriage in which the bride is purchased by the groom.

Question 5

In which form of marriage, the bride is given away by her father?

(A) Brahma marriage
(B) Gandharva marriage
(C) Asura marriage
(D) Prajapatya marriage

Answer

(D)

In Prajapatya marriage, the bride is given away by her father. The other three options are not forms of marriage in which the bride is given away by her father.