Sutra 15

Devanagari script

पितृभ्रातृपुत्राणां पूर्वे विद्यमाने नापरमवलम्बन्ते ज्येष्ठे च कनिष्ठमर्थग्राहिणम् ॥ कZ_०३.५.१५ ॥

Transliteration

pitṛbhrātṛputrāṇāṃ pūrve vidyamāne nāparam avalambante jyeṣṭhe ca kaniṣṭham arthagrāhiṇam

Translation

For a father’s brother’s sons (paternal cousins), when an elder (prior claimant) exists, the later one cannot rely on him to claim; and where the eldest exists, the youngest who takes the property is not to be recognized as a claimant over him.

Word by Word

पितृभ्रातृपुत्राणाम्of fathers, brothers, and sons

पूर्वेwhen the elder/previous one (in the line) exists

विद्यमानेbeing present; existing

नnot

अपरम्the other (later one)

अवलम्बन्तेthey rely on; they take support of

ज्येष्ठेwhen the eldest exists

चand

कनिष्ठम्the younger (one)

अर्थग्राहिणम्one who understands/grasps the matter (competent in affairs)

Entities Mentioned

paternal cousins

eldest heir

younger claimant

FAQs

What principle governs claims among paternal cousins in succession disputes?

Priority follows the senior line: if an elder eligible claimant exists, a later/junior claimant cannot override or route the claim around him.

What mischief is this rule designed to prevent?

It blocks strategic appropriation by a junior member (e.g., youngest taking possession) to defeat the senior’s lawful priority.