Adoption
Adoption is a family common practice in Rajasthan. Those
who do not have male children usually want to adopt a male child to continue
their line of succession. In Rajasthan , the Rajas and Maharajas used
to adopt male children and make them heir apparent with the consent of
the British Viceroy in India. Most of the Maharajas of Jaipur were
adopted sons.
The ceremony of adoption is quite simple. The elders
of the family and the Biradari (community) assemble at the adopter's residence.
They become the panch (elders of the family) at this ceremony. In their
presence, the adopted boy is anointed with vermilion and a coloured turban
is placed on his head. A small dose of opium is given to all the elders
(the panches) to solemnize the actor of adoption. Later, they sign the
document of adoption along with the adopter, so that they can be cited
as witness in case of dispute. If, after adoption, the adopter's wife
gives birth to a son, the adopted child continues to have equal rights
with the real son. |
