Question

Sapinda relationship rule is based on?

• A. Principle of endogamy
• B. Principle of exogamy
• C. Principle of monogamy
• D. Principle of polygamy

Hint:

Remember: Exo = Exit/Outside. You must "exit" your Sapinda circle to marry legally. Hence, it is a rule of Exogamy.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, specifies certain degrees of relationships within which marriage is prohibited. These are known as 'Sapinda' relationships.

• Definition: Two persons are said to be "sapindas" of each other if one is a lineal ascendant of the other within certain limits.

• The Limits: 3 generations through the mother and 5 generations through the father.

Step 1: Understanding the difference between Endogamy and Exogamy.

Endogamy requires a person to marry within a specific group (like caste).

Exogamy requires a person to marry outside a specific group or lineage. The Sapinda rule (under Section 3(f) and 5(v)) acts as a bar to marriage within the family line. It forces individuals to seek partners outside their immediate biological lineage to prevent genetic complications and maintain social structures.

Step 2: Identifying the underlying principle.
Since Sapinda prohibits marrying inside the lineage, it promotes

Exogamy. Therefore, the Sapinda relationship rule is an application of the

Principle of Exogamy. Marrying a Sapinda is considered void unless the custom or usage governing each of them permits such a marriage.