Multiple choice

What did the term 'niyoga'(levirate) mean with reference to women in the Vedic society?

  1. The vow of celibacy taken by a women of aristocratic society.

  2. Cohabitation of a childless widow with her husband's brother until the birth of a son.

  3. The performance of Vedic sacrifices by a women independently.

  4. Self-immolation of a widow at the funeral pyre of her husband.
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B Correct answer
Explanation

Niyoga (levirate) was the practice where a childless widow would cohabit with her husband's brother (devar) to produce offspring, preferably a male heir. This custom ensured the continuation of the family line and provided security to the widow in Vedic society. It was not about celibacy, Vedic sacrifices, or sati.

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