All these year I foolishly entertained the notion that muslim men indulged in bigamy for they have the backing of their personal law. The muslim personal law allows men to have more than one wife only during war time or women out-numbering men. I was taken aback when I read sunday toi that hindu men accounted for 5.8% of all bigamous marriage while muslim men accounted for only 5.6%. Now, it needs no explanation as to who is in majority. I received further shock when I read that this practice is higher in south india's hindu upper class.
The problem rises above religion and thus, need not be given religious shade but is of "male-dominance" and this underlying motive has moulded the interpretation of our scriptures and side-lined women by labelling her as 'naari' i.e. "do not try your hand at anything". Having said this, polyandry is also noticed in our social fabric and so is 'swinging'. Viewing from male and female perspective, the question is of morality versus individual freedom and add the concept of live-in relationship.
Eventually these things may work fine socially but when law steps in, the effect would be pinching.
Polygamy was quite common in the (Hindu) non-Brahmin communities of South India, and to this day the "chinna veedu" concept is alive. You are correct that often it is the woman who suffers, economically and socially.
ReplyDeletePolygamy was quite common in the (Hindu) non-Brahmin communities of South India, and to this day the "chinna veedu" concept is alive. You are correct that often it is the woman who suffers, economically and socially.
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