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Question

In Hindu society, marriage of a widow to the husband's brother is referred to as ___________

The correct answer is
Levirate

Levirate Marriage Defined

The practice where a widow marries the brother of her deceased husband is specifically known as Levirate marriage.

Analyzing Marriage Options

Let's examine the provided options in the context of Hindu marriage customs:

  • Polygyny refers to a man having more than one wife. This does not apply to a widow remarrying.
  • Endogamy is the custom of marrying only within a specific social group, caste, or tribe. While relevant to Hindu marriage, it doesn't define the specific scenario.
  • Levirate is the custom where a widow marries her deceased husband's brother. This directly matches the question's description.
  • Polyandry is the practice where a woman has multiple husbands. This is the opposite of the situation described.

Therefore, the marriage of a widow to her husband's brother is correctly termed Levirate.

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Important Questions from Indian Family, Marriage & Kinship

  1. Which of the following author(s) highlighted the connection between kinship terminology and kinship structure in India?
  2. Reena and Sheena are Hindi-speaking neighbours who grew up together. Reena refers to Sheena's mother as *mausi* (mother's sister). This is an example of which of the following kinship type(s)?
  3. Among the Toda of South India, property is inherited patrilineally and ritualistic privileges are inherited matrilineally. This is an example of _________ .

  4. Which of the following institutions provides the structural link between caste and gender in kinship in India?

  5. Which statements express the ideas of A. M. Shah with regard to family and household in India?

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