Marumakkathayam

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Marumakkathayam was a system of matrilineal inheritance prevalent in regions of the Indian state of Kerala.

The word "Marumakkathayam" originated from the Malayalam word "marumakkal" also known as "Anandaravar," which mean "sister's child," "nephews," or "nieces" in English.

Through this system, descent and the inheritance of property were passed from the maternal uncle to nephews or nieces.

The right of the child was with the maternal uncle or the mother's family rather than the father or the father's family. Through this bloodline, surnames, titles, properties, and everything of the child are inherited from his uncle or mother.

The joint family under the matrilineal system is known as Tharavad also knowns Kudumbakkar or veedu, formed the nucleus of the society. The eldest male was considered the head of the family, known as the karanavar, and he controlled all the family assets. However, his sons did not inherit the properties; instead, inherited to the children of his sisters.

It has to be noted that this system was not matriarchal as is sometimes misinterpreted, and was strongly patriarchal with only a male allowed to be the head of the family.^[1]