Multi-groom union in Himachal: A solitary bride, yet groom number one and two, the intricacies of intimate relations within this unique matrimony.
In the picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh, nestled on the Himachal-Uttarakhand border, lies the close-knit community of the Hatti tribe. One of the most intriguing aspects of their culture is the ancient tradition of Jodidara, a form of polyandry where a woman marries multiple brothers[1][2].
Jodidara is deeply rooted in cultural, economic, and emotional reasons. Culturally, it is a centuries-old system that maintains familial unity and a joint family structure, highly valued in the tribal society of the region[1][2][3].
Economically, the main reason behind Jodidara is to prevent the division of ancestral agricultural land among multiple heirs, which would otherwise lead to non-viable small landholdings. By sharing one wife, brothers keep the land intact and manage the scattered agricultural fields collectively for farming and long-term sustainability[1][2][3].
Emotionally and socially, Jodidara fosters brotherhood, unity, and mutual understanding, especially in situations where brothers might be from different mothers. The custom creates a secure and stable family environment in remote, challenging landscapes. It also provides emotional support among the brothers and the wife, who all cooperate as a single family unit[1][2][4].
The wife in Jodidara has the autonomy to decide how time is distributed among the husbands[5]. In most cases, the wife sleeps with all her husbands in the same room and decides which husband to be with each night[6]. In some cases, a cap or shoe is placed outside the room to indicate which husband the wife is with, though this assumes the household has more than one room[6].
YS Parmar, a former chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, extensively studied polyandry in the Himalayas and wrote a PhD thesis on the subject[7]. His research suggests that the wife must provide equal love and time to all brothers to prevent jealousy. Equal time is typically given to all husbands, and complaints about time distribution rarely arise[7].
The wife is responsible for managing the household, including the kitchen, cattle fodder, and farm work[8]. Despite socio-economic changes, literacy growth, and shifting gender roles, some communities still respect and practice Jodidara discreetly, reflecting its enduring cultural significance[2][3].
The Hatti tribe was granted Scheduled Tribe status three years ago, in part due to their adherence to traditional practices like polyandry[9]. The practice of Jodidara is recognised under Himachal Pradesh's revenue laws and sections 494 and 495 of the Indian Penal Code[10].
Some community members argue that if live-in relations are accepted, there should be no issue with age-old traditions like Jodidara[11]. However, it's important to note that opinions regarding the practice vary, with some expressing concerns over women's rights[12].
In conclusion, Jodidara's practice in Himachal Pradesh arose mainly to preserve ancestral land, maintain family unity, and ensure collective economic and emotional security in a challenging geographical and social context[1][2][3].
In this close-knit community of the Hatti tribe, the ancient tradition of Jodidara not only preserves family unity, but also benefits the lifestyle and home-and-garden management, as the wife is primarily responsible for managing the household[8]. This tradition, deeply rooted in cultural, economic, and emotional reasons, also seems to impact family-dynamics significantly, fostering mutual understanding, brotherhood, and a stable environment[1][2][4]. Additionally, the practice of Jodidara influences relationships, with the wife providing equal love and time to all husbands to prevent jealousy[7].
