In ancient Indian classification of marriages, the Rakshasa type of marriage refers to which of the following forms?

Introduction / Context:
Ancient Indian texts such as the Dharmashastras describe several types of marriage, each with a specific name and set of characteristics. These categories are important for understanding social and religious norms in early Indian society. Competitive examinations often ask candidates to match the name of a marriage type with its definition. This question focuses on the Rakshasa type of marriage and asks what it involves.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The marriage type under discussion is called Rakshasa.
• The options describe marriage by purchase, by capture, by giving dowry and by seduction.
• We assume the conventional definitions as given in classical law books.
• The task is to identify the description that matches the Rakshasa form.

Concept / Approach:
In the Dharmashastras, Rakshasa marriage is described as a form in which the bride is taken by force, often associated with warriors in times of war. It literally suggests a violent seizure of the woman from her family, who may be killed or wounded in the process. This is distinct from other forms such as Asura (marriage by purchase), Arsha (marriage involving symbolic gifts) and Gandharva (marriage by mutual attraction or seduction). Therefore, the correct approach is to match Rakshasa with marriage by capture rather than with purchase, dowry or seduction.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that texts describe Rakshasa marriage as involving force and abduction, associated with Kshatriya warriors. Step 2: Identify which option explicitly mentions capture. Option B clearly states marriage by capture. Step 3: Recognise that marriage by purchase is a different category, known as Asura marriage, where the bride's family receives a bride price. Step 4: Understand that marriage by giving dowry or marriage by seduction refer to other forms and do not involve the same element of violent seizure. Step 5: Conclude that Rakshasa type of marriage corresponds to marriage by capture.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this answer by recalling the list of eight classical marriage types: Brahma, Daiva, Arsha, Prajapatya, Asura, Gandharva, Rakshasa and Paisacha. Among these, Asura involves the groom giving wealth to the bride's family, Gandharva involves mutual attraction, and Rakshasa clearly describes the forcible carrying away of the bride. These texts specifically associate Rakshasa with warlike behaviour, which aligns with the idea of capture rather than reciprocal agreement or financial arrangement.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Marriage by purchase: This is closer to Asura type of marriage, not Rakshasa.
• Marriage by giving dowry: Dowry practices relate to transfer of property but do not define Rakshasa as a category.
• Marriage by seduction: This is more similar to Gandharva or Paisacha forms, depending on circumstances, and does not capture the violent, warlike element of Rakshasa.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes confuse the vivid names of these marriage types. Because Rakshasa is associated with demons, some people guess it involves immoral seduction, when in fact the defining feature is violent capture. Others may mix it up with Asura due to similar negative connotations, forgetting that Asura emphasises purchase while Rakshasa emphasises force. Careful memorisation of each term with a short key phrase can prevent such confusion.

Final Answer:
The Rakshasa type of marriage refers to marriage by capture.