Two brothers of Himachal got married with the same young woman, what is the history of ‘polymorous practice’ prevalent in the hill society

Himachal polyandry marriage: Recently, two brothers of Hatti Samaj in Himachal Pradesh have married with the same woman. There are many discussions on social media about this tradition. However, this marriage has been done under the ancient polytheism of Himachal, which has also been accepted by the people of the society. The Hatti tribe residing in the Trans-Giri region of Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh is known for its centuries-old polyandry, where a woman marries two or more brothers. This practice may seem unusual in modern society, but it has developed under special social, economic and geographical conditions of those regions. This is not just a way of marriage, but part of a complex social system, which helps in keeping family property united and better management of resources. Let us know in detail about this unique polynomial tradition of the removing society of Himachal Pradesh.
History and origin of multiple practice

The history of multiple practice in Hatti tribe is quite old. According to some mythological beliefs, the roots of this practice are associated with the Mahabharata period, when the Pandavas lived in various parts of Himachal Pradesh during their unknown. It is believed that the concept of five husbands of Draupadi had a profound impact on the culture of the region, leading to this practice. However, it is a folklore and has no concrete historical proof.
Most scholars and local elders consider the practical reasons behind this practice to be prominent. This is a tradition that has been going on for centuries, which was adapted by the Hatti community to its specific circumstances. Recently, the Hatti community has also got the status of Scheduled Tribes, which further strengthens their specific cultural identity.
Why is polymorphic practice prevailing, Social, Economic and geographical side

There are many complex reasons behind the prevalence of multiple practice in Hatti tribe, which are connected to each other:
1. Economic Reasons: Stopping fragmentation of land is considered to be the most prominent and important cause of the polynomial system. Arable land is limited in the hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh. If all the brothers of the family had different marriages, the ancestral property (land) would have been divided into small pieces, which would make it difficult to cultivate and weakened the economic condition of the family. Due to the marriage of all the brothers to the same woman, the distribution of the land stops and the property of the family remains united. It helps in better management of resources and keeps the family financially stable.
2. Social Reasons: Family unity and labor management, this practice helps to maintain unity and harmony within the family. When all the brothers share the same wife, the quarrels between them or other domestic matters are reduced. This promotes collective labor, as all brothers together cooperate in farming and other family functions. It is also helpful in maintaining a large and joint family structure, where all members support each other. Some elders also believe that it is a way to prevent rifts between brothers and keep them united.
3. Geographical Causes: Hard lifestyle and limited resources Himachal Pradesh’s mountainous region, especially the trans-gray region, is quite inaccessible. It is challenging to live and cultivate here. Limited arable land, rigid climate and lack of resources forced the community to develop such practices that could ensure their existence. The polynomial system has also proved to be helpful in population control and efficient use of resources under this difficult geographical conditions.
Status and challenges in modern society

In modern society, debate and moral questions often arise about polymorphic practice. Indian law, especially under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, is illegal (which includes both polygamy and polynomial). However, their specific traditions in tribal communities are somewhat recognized. In some recent cases, where there are multi -marriages in the Hatti tribe, the parties concerned have described it as a decision taken with their consent. This shows that this practice is still alive in some areas, but it is changing with modern education and awareness. Due to increasing literacy and economic uplift in women, there has also been a decrease in cases of this practice.

The multiplicity tradition in the Hatti tribe of Himachal Pradesh is the result of a complex socio-economic-geological adaptation. This is not just a marriage method, but a story of centuries -old lifestyle, challenges and existence of a community. This practice has been helpful in preventing fragmentation of land, maintaining family unity and better management of limited resources. Although it is important to consider its moral and legal aspects with modernity, the study of this practice gives us an important opportunity to understand the unique diversity of Indian society and its adaptability.

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