Mother’s Brother and Sister’s Son

The mother’s brother (matula) is the most important relative outside the family and the household. He shows affection towards his sister’s son, educates him, gives him gifts and settles him in life. He remains lenient even when the latter injures him directly. Sonạdanda the brahmana points proudly to his sister’s son Angaka, of whom he says: “He is born well, is studious, learned, handsome and of good character. He is truly a learned man.^[1] On another occasion he says: “He is born will on both the mother’s and the father’s side. I know his parents. I taught him.”^[2]

The monk Ajjuka is being requested by a man to choose between his sister’s son and his own and decide who is the more faithful.^[3] The monk selects the sister’s son. Thereupon the mother’s brother give his wealth and settles his family, to the annoyance of his own son. The son appeals to ananda who decides that such matters are not to be taken into consideration by a monk and that inheritance should to a son. However, the final appeal is addressed to the monk upali, who absolves the monk of interfering in the rule of inheritance, by saying that the monk has only to decide who is the more faithful one. He is not responsible for the consequences.^[4] It is now obvious that the sister’s son can benefit economically from his mother’s brother although he has no right of inheritance.

Among female relatives with whom sexual relations are considered incestuous is the mother’s brother’s wife (matulani). In this, it ranks with mother (mata), mother’s sister (matuccha), teacher’s wife (acariya bhariya), and preceptor’s wife (guru dara).^[5]