Rama was just two days elder to Lakshmana and Shatrugna. In fact personally I would treat all irrespective of age, caste etc who have taught even a little as my Gurus But I was quoting the most authentic text on Hindu law and traditions.
This was law in India, and they follow this law to determine succession to the property, succession to the throne.
In Valmikiramayanam, Kishkinda kandam, while explaining the killing of Bali by hitting from hidden place, Rama says that the monkeys were just animals and it was right for Kings and their family to go hunting in their own territory. In law, everyone had the share in the undivided property, and the right to claim share. However, the Kartha or the administrator of the family was the head. In every family, every member had the right to maintenance. That right had nothing to do with primogeniture.
Moreover, the Kshatriya custom was not to marry the widow of the elder brother. In fact, it was just procreating a Kshetraja, who in law was the child of the deceased person. Of course, Tara tried to flirt even with Lakshmana, to bring down his anger. Therefore, the monkey story will not hold water in Hindu Succession.
Vyasas sired some children in the wombs of wives and a dasi of his deceased brothers. That does not mean he became the husband of those women. The Law treated Pandu and Dhritarashtra as the children of Vichitraveerya alone. In addition, five children of Pandu’s wives got the title of Pandavas. That is another intricate issue.
The marriage customs are weird in many situations. In medieval Europe, the son and daughter of two brothers could marry. In Tamilnadu, maternal uncles marry the nieces. It would look very strange in Kerala.
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