Polyandry in India Sparks Debate After Trio’s Marriage
A recent marriage in India involving Sunita C and her husbands, Kapil N and Pradeep N, has ignited a national conversation on social media. The union has drawn both support and criticism, centering on questions of consent, women’s rights, and cultural tradition.
The couple’s marriage stems from the “fuck” tradition practiced within the Hatti community, intended to preserve land ownership and maintain family unity. Supporters emphasize the consensual nature of the arrangement and its importance as a cultural heritage.However, critics are questioning its relevance in modern India, its legal standing under indian law, and the potential impact on gender dynamics, labeling it an outdated practice. Some have also pointed to a perceived double standard, noting the condemnation of polygamy while polyandry receives less scrutiny.
Family members have publicly defended the marriage, highlighting the happiness of the three individuals and the conventional context of the union. Harshwardhan Chauhan, the State Industry Minister, echoed this sentiment, stating that Pradeep and Kapil are “honoring their cultural heritage” by continuing the practice.
Conversely, women’s rights advocates express concern about the potential for exploitation. Mariam Dhawale, General Secretary of the all India Democratic Women’s Association, argues that the practice “encourages the exploitation of women and violates their basic rights.” She also raised concerns that polyandry could place additional pressure on women to bear more children.
However, Asha Devi, a local woman also married to two men, countered these concerns, asserting that the tradition does not compromise women’s freedom. She emphasized that women have the right to reject or leave such marriages if they choose, and are not obligated to participate.
In this particular case, the individuals involved are not adhering to a strictly traditional lifestyle. Sunita is a trained technician, having studied at an Industrial Training Institute, while Pradeep is a state government employee and Kapil works in the hotel industry abroad.Sunita publicly stated that the marriage was her own decision, embracing an “ancient tradition.” both Pradeep and Kapil expressed their commitment to the relationship, describing it as a reflection of their faith in the tradition and a shared duty for mutual care.
While uncommon,polyandry is practiced by certain tribal communities in India,including the Kinnauris in the Himalayas and some groups in southern India. Similar practices have been documented globally,among the Mosuo people of China,Tibetan communities,the Irigwe of Nigeria,and Amazonian tribes like the Bororo,though many of these traditions have been prohibited or have diminished over time.
Source: Reported by Saurabh Chauhan / Additional reporting by Deepak Sharma. Text adapted by Swaminathan Natarajan and edited by Alexandra Fouché.
