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NEXT-OF-KIN MARRIAGES.

princes who had received a strictly Brâhmanic education were married to one wife, should we, therefore, ignore the existence of the Brâhmanic law,[1] which clearly lays down (Max Müller, History of Ancient Sanskrit Literature, p. 53; M'Lennan, p. 215) "they are many wives of one man, not many husbands of one wife," and charge with the custom of polyandry all the ancient Brahmanic Indians who constituted one of the most eminent and highly intellectual nations of the early Oriental world.

From what I have said above, it is not difficult to see that the doubtful evidences of the Greeks neutralize themselves, and that it is absurd to form,

  1. Compare "Tagore Law Lectures" (1883), by Dr. J. Jolly, p. 155:—"But I have been led recently to consider my views," remarks Dr. Jolly, "by the investigations of Professor Bühler, who has pointed out to me that a certain sort of Polyandry is referred to in two different Smritis. Apastamba (II. 10, 27, 2–4) speaks of the forbidden practice of delivering a bride to a whole family (kula). Brihaspati refers to the same custom in the same terms." Further on he says: The text of Apastamba refers to the custom as to an ancient one, which was enjoined by the early sages, but is now obsolete.