Significance of Royal family
The term "Royal family" encompasses various meanings across different religious and historical contexts. In Buddhism, it includes the family of Buddha, notable lineages linked to kingship, and the noble heritage of bodhisattas. Jainism highlights a joyful royal family during Amitatejas's arrival. South Asian interpretations focus on reigning monarchs and their relations, emphasizing lineage and power struggles. In all contexts, the concept of royal family signifies status, privilege, and the intricate relationships among its members, often influencing narratives in religious texts and historical accounts.
Synonyms: Monarchy, Royal household, Royal lineage, Aristocracy, Dynasty
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Royal family'
The term "Royal family in Buddhism" encompasses noble lineages tied to the Buddha's birth, including royal families such as the Sakyas and the historical context of kings, their descendants, and the implications of their societal roles and heritage.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Refers to the lineage and household which Prince Siddhattha belonged to, which he ultimately renounced in pursuit of enlightenment.[1] (2) The lineage into which Dabba Mahathera was born, signifying a life of privilege before taking up the monastic path.[2] (3) The family of King Suddhodana that prepared to receive the Buddha upon his arrival in Kapilavatthu.[3] (4) Mahapajapati Gotami was reborn into the Sakyan royal family as the younger daughter of King Mahasuppabuddha.[4] (5) The recipients of the Buddha's teachings on the consequences of violence and the importance of unity.[5]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Refers to the family of the king, which includes the boys who killed the heron's young ones.[6] (2) The family comprising King Sutasoma, his queens, and children, highlighting his domestic life.[7] (3) The lineage to which Maha-panada belongs, highlighting the responsibilities and expectations of royalty.[8] (4) The immediate relatives of the king, whose lives are threatened by his sacrificial desires.[9]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The family of kings, including the Sakyas and Koliyas, involved in the conflict highlighted in the text.[10] (2) A family of noble status, identified by the Buddha as suitable for his birth based on societal reputation.[11]
From: Dipavamsa (study)
(1) The lineage and descendants of Vijaya, bolstered through marriages and the establishment of noble ties.[12]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A lineage of ruling individuals; in this context, it refers to the family of the king in Benares where the eldest bodhisattas were reborn.[13] (2) The family members of Buddha, including King Suddhodana and the Sakiyans, who have their relationship emphasized.[14]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) The lineage to which the royal prince belongs, known for its honorable and virtuous characteristics.[15]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A metaphor for the status and respect that one holds when born into the bodhisattva family, similar to a person born into nobility.[16]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The family of kings that worshipped the gnyan po sang ba during the time of the Holy Doctrine.[17]
Hindu concept of 'Royal family'
The Royal family in Hinduism encompasses a king's lineage, highlighting noble status, responsibilities, and cultural significance. It includes figures like Rama and Shashikala, embodying virtues, governance roles, and the importance of inheritance and familial ties in rulership.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) Refers to the family to which Rama belongs, including his mother Kaushalya and other queens.[18] (2) The family of rulers, whose well-being is greatly affected by the events unfolding in the tale.[19] (3) The lineage to which Bharata and his brothers belong, who exhibit hierarchical and familial connections.[20] (4) The lineage to which Sita belongs, highlighting her elevated status and honor.[21] (5) The family of the ruler, which in this context, refers to the members of Shri Ramacandra's family.[22]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The prestigious lineage that Draupadi and her kin belong to, which adds to her sorrow over their diminished status.[23] (2) Refers to the lineage and relationships within the Kuru dynasty.[24] (3) Refers to Dhritarashtra and his relatives as they grieve the loss of the Pandavas.[25]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The group including the king's relatives who acknowledged Gadhi and participated in his coronation.[26] (2) The family of the ruler, present with him during a procession, indicating the high status and privilege associated with monarchy.[27] (3) The family of the king, including his children and important members.[28]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The lineage of kings and queens to which Shashikala belongs, emphasizing her noble birth.[29] (2) Refers to Rama and Lakshmana, indicating their noble heritage and responsibilities.[30] (3) The lineage to which the dead son belongs, as inferred by the King’s observations of the boy’s physical attributes.[31]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) A broader term encompassing those who are born of kings and queens, including Yudhishthira and others.[32] (2) A lineage associated with kingship, often possessing characteristics such as nobility, bravery, and wealth.[33]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) A high-status family line from which the characters, such as Shakuntala, claim origin, indicating noble birth.[34]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) In the later Vedic period, Kshatriyas became regularly associated with the royal family.[35]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) The ruling dynasty of Hastinapura divided into two branches: the Kauravas and Pandavas, who are central characters in the Mahabharata.[36]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A lineage that includes characters like Shyamabala, suggesting a connection between vows, virtue, and wealth.[37]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Refers to the high status and privileges achieved by the king in his current life, attributed to the merit earned from his past life’s actions.[38]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The lineage that includes significant characters such as the Pandavas and Kurus, with complex relationships and conflicts.[39]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) A familial structure where the prince holds a distinct importance and position, often significant in the governance and succession.[40] (2) The royal family refers to the family of a king or queen, particularly in the context of the marriage of princess Rajyashri, who had numerous rituals performed by her family.[41] (3) Refers to the genealogy of Harshavardhana which included diverse religious practices without strict adherence to a single faith.[42] (4) Refers to the nobility, who celebrated significant life events with music and dance, reflecting the cultural importance of these activities.[43]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Members of the royal lineage who were also honored with the use of the umbrella.[44] (2) The lineage to which Queen Taradatta belongs after her purported past as a slave.[45] (3) The lineage to which the princess belongs, emphasizing her noble status.[46]
From: Bhishma Charitra
(1) Refers to the Kuru royal lineage that faced decline due to diseases resulting from personal indulgences and misfortunes.[47] (2) The elite lineage to which King Shantanu belongs, for whom he seeks the welfare and upbringing of his son.[48] (3) The family lineage from which a king is born, often associated with entitlement to kingship without necessarily understanding the responsibilities.[49]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) The group of individuals comprising the ruling house, often involved in decision-making and governance.[50]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) The relatives and descendants of the king, whose support and alliance are crucial for maintaining power within the kingdom.[51] (2) The family lineage associated with the king and the succession of power within it.[52] (3) Members of the ruling class whose crimes may be viewed through a different lens in legal judgments.[53]
From: Hitopadesha (English translation)
(1) The lineage of nobility, underlining the social status of the King's children.[54]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The family of the king, signifying the royal lineage that the king must protect and provide for in times of siege.[55] (2) The family line that is entitled to rule, which the text indicates should not be undermined.[56] (3) Refers to individuals of high status; stealing such persons results in specifically prescribed fines or punishments.[57]
From: Mudrarakshasa (literary study)
(1) Refers to the background of Vishakhadatta, implying his noble lineage and the mystery of kinship with Maharaja status.[58]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A family of royalty, often involved in governing a kingdom and possessing cultural significance; in this context, it pertains to the families involved in the marriage.[59]
Jain concept of 'Royal family'
In Jainism, the term "Royal family" likely symbolizes noble lineage and honor, as indicated by their joyous reaction to Amitatejas arriving in Potanapura, reflecting their significance within the spiritual and communal context.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The family that appeared particularly delighted when Amitatejas arrived in Potanapura.[60]
The concept of Royal family in local and regional sources
The Royal family is a multifaceted concept representing various historical lineages, power dynamics, and conflicts in governance. It encompasses current and extinct families that shape narratives of honor, privilege, and beauty in different regions.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) The lineage that Mahirakula uprooted and exterminated when he took over Kashmir.[61] (2) The family that has been extinct for some centuries in Lan-po.[62] (3) The family of the reigning sovereign, which holds a significant status and privilege.[63] (4) The family that governs the country, resembling the people of the Middle Country (China).[64] (5) The ruling family of Gandhara that has become extinct, with governance now provided by deputies from Kapisha.[65]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The close-knit group of relatives related to the monarchy, representing heritage, honor, and expectations in matters of lineage.[66] (2) The lineage of the King and Queen, including their daughters who figure into the story's intrigue.[67] (3) The collective term for the King and his daughters, playing a crucial role in the status and story of the protagonist.[68]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Caesar and Christ are depicted as descendants from families that once held power, complicating their claims to kingship.[69] (2) The family of rulers to which Aurangazeb belongs, emphasizing the significance of proper education for those in leadership roles.[70] (3) The family of the prince, who the king believes needs a bride meeting certain standards of health and beauty.[71] (4) A lineage of notable rulers represented in sculptures which demonstrate their significance in the history of India.[72] (5) The central lineage around which many conflicts revolve, showcasing power dynamics and duty.[73]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The family to which the princess belongs, including the Raja and his wife.[74]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The lineage of kings, including Rama and the Pandavas.[75]