In the context of Ancient India, the term ‘Pratiloma’ refers to:
(a) A type of marriage system
(b) A type of land grant given to Brahmins
(c) A ritual of fire sacrifice in Vedic tradition
(d) A guild of merchants or craftsmen in ancient cities
Explanation
The term Pratiloma refers to a type of marriage system in ancient India, where a woman of a higher varna married a man of a lower varna. Pratiloma marriages were viewed negatively in ancient texts, including the Manusmriti, which especially in texts like the Manusmriti. These texts stressed the importance of maintaining the varna system and believed that such marriages could disturb the social order. People thought that these unions could lead to the weakening of dharma, or moral values, and were seen as inauspicious. Some texts even associated them with "sins" and cultural degradation.
Kutos:History Expert
Hello! I am a History expert. You can ask any question or request a detailed analysis related to this topic.