Agni Purana — Vyavahara, Shloka 27
Chapter 255: दायविभागकथनम्
On the Division of Inheritance
पतितस्तत्सुतः क्लीवः पङ्गुरुन्मत्तको जडः अन्धो ऽचिकित्स्यरोगाद्या भर्तव्यास्तु निरंशकाः
patitastatsutaḥ klīvaḥ paṅgurunmattako jaḍaḥ andho 'cikitsyarogādyā bhartavyāstu niraṃśakāḥ
堕落者（patita）とその子、不能者、跛者、狂者、愚鈍者、盲者、ならびに不治の病などに苦しむ者は――相続分を有しないとしても――なお扶養されねばならない。
Lord Agni (in discourse to sage Vasiṣṭha, as per the Agni Purana’s common dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Guidelines for inheritance disqualification while enforcing compulsory family maintenance for dependents (disabled, ill, socially fallen).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Nir-aṁśa-bhṛtya (Disinherited yet maintainable dependents)","lookup_keywords":["niramshaka","bhartavya","patita","achikitsya-roga","inheritance disqualification"],"quick_summary":"Even when certain persons are barred from inheritance shares, the household must still provide their maintenance as a legal-dharmic duty."}
Concept: Inheritance-right (aṁśa) can be denied, but maintenance (bhṛti/bharaṇa) remains obligatory toward vulnerable dependents.
Application: Frame household/estate rules: separate ‘share’ from ‘support’; allocate a maintenance fund for dependents.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma / Dharmashastra (Inheritance, maintenance duties, social welfare)
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A household court-like setting where an elder allocates inheritance shares while instructing servants to provide food and care to disinherited dependents—blind, crippled, and incurably ill persons seated respectfully aside.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, flat vibrant colors, a dharmic king/householder seated on a low throne, attendants distributing alms and food to blind and crippled dependents, palm-leaf ledger, traditional ornaments, calm compassionate mood","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting with gold leaf, central householder/king with halo-like arch, stylized dependents (blind man with staff, cripple with crutch), ornate vessels of food and cloth gifts, rich reds and greens, embossed gold detailing","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, fine linework, instructional tableau of inheritance partition with a scribe, clear depiction of dependents receiving maintenance, muted palette with delicate shading, emphasis on ethical instruction","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed domestic court scene, accountant with scroll, disinherited dependents seated on carpet, servants bringing bowls and blankets, architectural interior with jali windows, naturalistic faces"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: पतितस्+तत्सुतः → पतितस्तत्सुतः; अन्धो+अचिकित्स्य… → अन्धो 'चिकित्स्य…; भर्तव्याः+तु → भर्तव्यास्तु; रोग+आद्याः → रोगाद्याः (आदि-प्रत्ययार्थ ‘etc.’).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 255 (Rajadharma/Vyavahara: inheritance rules and exclusions)
FAQs
It gives a Dharmashastra rule: certain persons may be disqualified from inheriting (niraṃśaka) yet remain legally entitled to maintenance (bharaṇa) from the family estate.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana compiles practical governance and legal norms; here it preserves inheritance and welfare rules comparable to Smṛti literature, showing its coverage of civil duties alongside ritual topics.
Supporting dependents who cannot claim a share is treated as a binding duty (dharma); neglecting them incurs demerit, while maintaining them sustains household righteousness and social order.