Page 150 - Social Studies 7

and all bound by the common relationship like Grandparents, parents uncle aunt
niece, nephew, son, daughter, grand children, etc. Therefore settlement of people
in this joint family was social security to perform religious activities and economic
assistance.

Naming the Lineage

The Malla rulers introduced themselves as Suryavanshi and Shah rulers called
themselves as Chandravanshi. In this way lineage began in Medieval Period.

The Caste System

The division of caste system began in the Lichchhavi period. The society was
divided into four castes and eighteen sub-castes. It was not much scientific. So,
further division of caste system was made into four castes and thirty-six sub-
castes.

Origin of Surname

The caste of the people was divided for work division. The trend of keeping surname
started on the basis of place, occupation, lineage, etc. for example Bhandari (store
keeper), Poudel (Paudi, name of a place), Shrestha (high ranked officer), Baidya
(doctors), Mahat (Prime Minister), Acharya (Masters Degree holder), etc.

Dolaji System

In the Medieval Period there was a trend to take bridegroom to the bride's home
after marriage. The bridegroom had to adopt the surname of the bride. It is called
Dolaji System. The renowned Malla king Jayasthili Malla adopted the title Malla
after getting marriage with princess Rajalla Devi Malla. Similarly after Pal
dynasty prince Punya Pal got married with princess Shakun Malla of Karnali
region, he adopted the title Malla and became Punya Malla.

Widow Re-marriage

Widow-marriage and re-marriage are accepted in this period. There was polygamy
system. So, the kings had many queens and in case of the death of the king queens
became widows. So, widow re-marriage system practiced. This shows that women
were highly respected in the society. Nayak Devi was the daughter of the king
of Bhaktapur, Rudra Malla, married to Prince Harischandra of Kaski. After the
death of her husband she was remarried to Prince Jagat Singh Kumhar of Tirahut.

Culture and Festivals

Many festivals started celebrating since the Medieval Period. It was rich in
culture and festivals. People of different castes and tribes observed their own
cultures and festivals some customs like Aashouch and Sutak which came from

Dynamic Social Studies and Population Education - Book VII 150