SOAS Research Online

Abstract

We are concerned in this study firstly with the ascertainment of the kinship system as it existed in north Indian society at the time of the composition of the earlier strata of the Pali Canon. In the first chapter we have discussed the sources and outlined the use of anthropological technique in the study of history. The second chapter deals with settlement patterns as denoted by terms such as gama, nigama, nagara, janapada, and points out their relative significance. Some of the ruling extended kin-groups have been studied in relation to their residence. In the third chapter we have studied social stratification after making an analysis of terms of address and reference and face-to-face behaviour; our conclusions are derived from the tabulated data which has been added as an appendix. In the next chapter we examine the pattern of economic life and the role of the gahapati therein. The conclusion contains a summary of the main results of our enquiry.