aliyasantana

Sanskrit · ah-li-ya-SUN-taa-na · Family and succession

Meaning. The matrilineal system of inheritance traditionally followed by some communities of coastal Karnataka.

Aliyasantana (literally, succession through the sister's children) is the matrilineal system once followed by communities such as the Bunts and Billavas in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. Lineage and property passed through the female line: the family unit (kutumba) consisted of a woman, her children and her daughters' descendants, managed by the senior member, the yajaman.

The Madras Aliyasantana Act, 1949 allowed partition and codified the law. The Hindu Succession Act, 1956 applies to persons governed by this system, with special rules: the interest of a member in kutumba or kavaru property devolves by succession under the Act, not by survivorship. The system is now largely of historical and exam interest.

Example

Since the deceased was governed by aliyasantana law, his share in the kutumba property devolved under s.7(2) of the Hindu Succession Act, not by survivorship.

In Indian law

Madras Aliyasantana Act, 1949
Sections 7 and 17, Hindu Succession Act, 1956 (special provisions for marumakkattayam and aliyasantana)

aliyasantana

Example

In Indian law

See also

Read more in the study notes