Which one of the following can be classified as a “Pratiloma Marriage”?

Q. Which one of the following can be classified as a “Pratiloma Marriage”?

(a) A Brahmin girl marrying a Sudra boy

(b) A Sudra girl marrying a Brahmin boy

(c) A Brahmin girl marrying a Brahmin boy

(d) None of these

Ans: (a) A Brahmin girl marrying a Sudra boy

Explanation: In the context of the caste system in ancient India, a “Pratiloma Marriage” refers to a marriage that goes against the traditional order of caste hierarchy. In this case, the answer would be (a) A Brahmin girl marrying a Sudra boy. Pratiloma marriages were considered socially unacceptable and were discouraged in the ancient Indian society, which placed a strong emphasis on maintaining strict endogamy (marriage within one’s own caste) and upholding the caste system.