Polyandry – In a rare yet culturally significant event, two brothers from Himachal Pradesh’s Hatti tribe have married the same woman, reviving the centuries-old tradition of polyandry. The wedding, held in Shillai village of the Trans-Giri region in Sirmaur district, has sparked widespread attention across India, with videos of the ceremony going viral on social media.
The bride, Sunita Chauhan, and her grooms, Pradeep and Kapil Negi, solemnized their union over a vibrant three-day celebration beginning July 12, 2025, embracing a practice locally known as “Jodidara”, a form of fraternal polyandry recognized under Himachal Pradesh’s revenue laws.
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The Ceremony: Tradition Meets Transparency
The wedding was anything but secretive. Hundreds of villagers gathered to witness the union, which featured local folk songs, traditional dances, and rituals unique to the Hatti culture. The trio emphasized that the decision was mutual and free from any pressure, with Sunita stating, “I made this decision without any pressure. I respect the bond we have formed”.
Pradeep, who works in a government department, and Kapil, employed abroad, said the marriage was a joint, transparent decision. “We followed the tradition publicly as we are proud of it,” said Pradeep. Kapil added, “We’re ensuring support, stability and love for our wife as a united family”.
Understanding Polyandry: A Tradition Rooted in Pragmatism
Polyandry, derived from the Greek words poly (many) and aner (man), refers to a marital arrangement where a woman has multiple husbands. While rare globally, it has historical roots in Tibet, Nepal, and parts of India, including Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
In the Hatti tribe, polyandry was traditionally practiced to:
- Prevent division of ancestral land among siblings
- Promote brotherhood and unity in joint families
- Ensure security and stability in tribal societies
- Manage scattered agricultural lands in remote hilly areas
Kundan Singh Shastri, General Secretary of the Kendriya Hatti Samiti, explained, “This tradition was invented thousands of years ago to save a family’s agricultural land from further division. It also strengthens familial bonds and provides security in tribal life”.
Legal Recognition and Cultural Identity
Despite being unrecognized under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, polyandry is legally acknowledged in Himachal Pradesh under “Jodidara” or “Jodidaran” laws. The Himachal Pradesh High Court has upheld this tribal custom, allowing it to continue among communities like the Hattis.
The Hatti tribe, which was granted Scheduled Tribe status three years ago, views polyandry as a cultural marker and a means of preserving identity. With nearly three lakh members across 450 villages in the Trans-Giri region, the tradition though fading is still practiced in pockets of Sirmaur, Kinnaur, and Jaunsar Babar in Uttarakhand.
Rituals and Symbolism: The “Jajda” Tradition
The marriage followed the “Jajda” tradition, where the bride arrives in a procession to the groom’s village. At the groom’s residence, a ritual called “Seenj” is performed:
- A local priest chants mantras in the native dialect
- Holy water is sprinkled on the couple
- Jaggery is offered as a symbol of sweetness and harmony
- Blessings are invoked from the Kul Devta (family deity)
These rituals reflect the deep spiritual and communal roots of the Hatti tribe, where marriage is not just a union of individuals but a celebration of collective identity and continuity.
A Tradition in Decline?
While the recent wedding has reignited interest in polyandry, village elders and sociologists note that the practice is slowly dying due to:
- Rising literacy, especially among women
- Economic development and urban migration
- Influence of modern laws and values
- Changing perceptions of gender roles and inheritance rights
In the past six years, only five such marriages have been reported in Badhana village, indicating a sharp decline in frequency.
Social Media Reactions: Mahabharata and Modernity
The wedding has sparked a flurry of reactions online. Some netizens drew parallels to the Mahabharata, where Draupadi was married to the five Pandava brothers, dubbing the practice “Draupadi Pratha”.
Others questioned the relevance of such customs in modern India, while many praised the trio’s transparency and courage in embracing their heritage. “Just because it’s an old custom doesn’t mean it’s a bad one,” one user commented, while another quipped, “Zameen vivaad se bach jaynge” (land disputes will be avoided).
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Though polyandrous unions are not recognized under mainstream Indian matrimonial laws, tribal customs like Jodidara are protected under customary law provisions. However, concerns remain regarding:
- Legal rights of the woman, especially in matters of inheritance and custody
- Recognition of children born in such unions
- Access to government benefits and documentation
Legal experts argue that tribal autonomy must be balanced with individual rights, especially as communities modernize and integrate with broader legal frameworks.
Conclusion: A Bold Step or a Cultural Echo?
The marriage of Pradeep, Kapil, and Sunita is more than a viral headline, it’s a living testament to India’s diverse cultural landscape, where ancient traditions coexist with modern aspirations. While polyandry may seem unconventional to many, for the Hatti tribe, it remains a symbol of unity, pragmatism, and identity.
As India continues to evolve, stories like these remind us that progress doesn’t always mean forgetting the past sometimes, it means redefining it with pride.
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FAQ
What is polyandry and how does it differ from polygamy?
Polyandry is a form of marriage where one woman has multiple husbands, whereas polygamy refers to having multiple spouses, including polygyny (one man with multiple wives).
Where is polyandry practiced today?
Polyandry is still practiced in parts of India (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand), Nepal, Tibet, and among some African and South American tribes, often for economic or cultural reasons.
Is polyandry legal in India?
While not recognized under mainstream Indian marriage laws, polyandry is protected under customary laws in certain tribal communities like the Hatti tribe in Himachal Pradesh.
What is fraternal polyandry?
Fraternal polyandry involves a woman marrying two or more brothers, helping families preserve ancestral land and maintain economic stability.
Why do some communities practice polyandry?
Preventing land fragmentation
Promoting family unity
Managing limited resources in harsh environments
Preserving tribal identity and customs
Are children in polyandrous families legally recognized?
In tribal setups, children are often raised collectively, and the eldest husband is typically listed as the legal father, though this varies by region and legal framework.
Does polyandry exist in Indian mythology?
Yes, the most famous example is Draupadi from the Mahabharata, who was married to the five Pandava brothers, a story often cited to culturally validate polyandry.
Is polyandry declining in modern times?
Yes, due to urbanization, education, and changing social norms, polyandry is becoming increasingly rare, though it still exists in remote tribal regions.
What are the emotional and social dynamics in polyandrous marriages?
These marriages require mutual respect, clear communication, and shared responsibilities among husbands, often fostering strong family bonds.
Can polyandry be considered a feminist practice?
Opinions vary some view it as empowering, giving women autonomy over multiple relationships, while others critique it based on patriarchal structures within certain communities.