Women in This Region Still Follow Draupadi's Path! A Woman Marries Multiple Brothers in a Family
Today, we will discuss this topic from the perspective of social geography and historical geography.
In the Mahabharata, Draupadi married the five Pandavas simultaneously. In ancient times, polygamy among men was quite common, but the practice of a woman having multiple husbands was rare. However, did you know that this ‘Draupadi tradition’ still exists in some regions of India?
Even in the modern era, such practices continue in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. In this society, some women still marry multiple brothers from the same family. In fact, it is not unusual for a woman to marry as many as seven brothers here.
Panchali Marriage: Definition and Context
The term "polyandry" comes from the Greek words “poly” (meaning multiple) and “andros” (meaning man). Polyandry refers to a marital arrangement where a woman marries multiple men.
Panchali marriage is a specific form of polyandry, linked to the marriage of Draupadi in the Mahabharata. The practice can still be observed to some extent in regions like Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh, Jawsar-Bawar in Uttarakhand, and among the Toda tribe in South India.
Ancient Roots and Customs
The people of Kinnaur believe that polyandry has been practiced in their society since the time of the Mahabharata. It is said that during their 12-year exile, the Pandavas stayed in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur for a while, and that’s when the practice of women having multiple husbands entered their society.
When a woman in this region gets married, the family investigates the relationship of the bride with all the brothers of the groom. Subsequently, the woman marries all the brothers in the family.
In this society, there is a special rule followed: When any brother enters his wife’s room, he leaves his hat outside the door. This is a signal to the other brothers, indicating that someone else is inside, and they do not enter.
Many believe that this tradition existed even before the Mahabharata period.
In this matrilineal society, women are considered the driving force of the family. The women here believe that having multiple husbands makes them more secure and independent. If one husband dies, the other husbands ensure her financial and social security, freeing her from the curse of widowhood.
Why This Tradition Exists
Experts suggest that the emergence of polyandry in Kinnaur is closely related to the socio-economic realities of ancient times. Due to its remote, mountainous location, Kinnaur’s economy was very weak. The primary resource of each family was a small piece of agricultural land, which was so limited that dividing it among brothers would make it almost impossible to sustain a family.
Historians suggest that the practice was introduced to prevent the division of land and property. By marrying the brothers to the same woman, the family could keep the land and resources together, ensuring economic stability.
Present-day Context
In modern India, polyandry or Panchali marriage is not legally recognized. According to the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, bigamy is illegal.
The socio-economic situation in Kinnaur has significantly improved in recent years. The growth of the tourism industry, expansion of education, and the younger generation's interest in modern life have led to a notable decline in the practice of polyandry compared to the past.
This tradition is not only significant for sociological research but also opens up deep discussions on women’s rights, family structures, and social justice.
"In the changing currents of society and culture, Panchali marriage is not just a historical chapter but also a meaningful bridge between past realities and present values."
Courtesy: #geography #geographyzone
Geography Zone - The Geography Circle