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
പതിതനും അവന്റെ പുത്രനും, നപുംസകൻ, മുടന്തൻ, ഉന്മത്തൻ, ജഡൻ, അന്ധൻ, ചികിത്സിക്കാനാകാത്ത രോഗബാധിതർ മുതലായവർ—അവകാശത്തിൽ പങ്കില്ലെങ്കിലും—അവരെ പോഷിക്കേണ്ടതാണ്।
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.