Inheritance System
Arabic writers were surprised with the system of inheritance which was matrilineal and not patrilineal as was the rule in their own states. Tunka Manin was said to be Basi’s nephew.
Al-Bakri submitted “this is their custom and habit” adding, “that the kingdom is inherited only by the son of the king’s sister.” The reason given for this is that there will be no doubt that a king’s successor is a son of his sister while there is uncertainty about his own son.
