Marriage in Tribal Societies

Marriage in tribal societies is a fascinating topic in sociological studies of society. Other than normal forms of marriage that are followed in India, tribals have certain other types of marriages as well. Often times these marriage forms are peculiar to certain tribes only.

Most of the tribals who have mixed in the Hindu population follow Hindu Marriage System. The converted tribes follow the system of the religion to which they have converted. Others follow their native traditions if marriage. Marriage in tribal societies have elements like bride purchase, intrusion, elopement, trail, service and capture. Some of these elements are mere symbolism. Mate selection in Tribals is done by various methods as enumerated in this article.

Definition of Marriage:

  1. According to Gillin and Gillin: Marriage is a socially approved way of establishing a family of procreation.
  2. According to Malinowski: Marriage is a contract for the production and maintenance of children.
  3. According to the Hindu Way of life: Marriage is a sacrament to fulfill the duties of Grihastha Dharma.

Characteristics of Marriage:

  1. Universality
  2. Relationship between man and woman
  3. The marriage bond is enduring
  4. Requires Social Approval
  5. Associated with a civil or religious ceremony
  6. Marriage creates mutual obligations

Marriage in Tribal Societies: Types of Mate Selection-

Among the tribes other than normal types of marriage, 8 typical type of marriage in tribal societies can be seen. These marriages are as follows-

Marriage by Trail

This type of marriage is common among the Bhil tribe of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Among the Bhil, physical power is given high importance. Hence, those who are physically powerful are given the right choose their wife. For this purpose, during the month of Holi, all the eligible bachelors gather at a place where competition is organised. In this competition coconut and jaggery are tied to a tree at a certain height. The trees are surrounded by girls. The boys have to elevate the trees but the girl tries to resists. Even after the resistance whose ever is able to climb the tree, break the coconut and eat the jaggery can choose any of the girls who had surrounded the tree as his wife.

Marriage by Probation

This type of marriage is commonly followed by KUKI tribe of north east. In marriage by probation, a boy and a girl are allowed to stay together in the same house together. They try to see whether if they find themselves compatible they may marry each other otherwise they will part their ways. If they decide to part their ways, the boys have to compensate to the father of the girl. This compensation can be used only for giving feast to the members of the community.

Marriage by Intrusion

Marriage by Intrusion is commonly seen among the ‘HO‘ and ‘Santhal‘ tribe of Jharkhand. In this type of marriage, if a girls starts like a boy she may intrude forcefully into his household. She may not be accepted by his family instantly. She is thrown out of the household and is beaten on the streets. But, even after that if she refuses to leave, ultimately she may be accepted.

Marriage by Service

Among a number. of tribes ‘Bride price’ is extremely high and because of this the groom may not be able to bear the price. Hence, he starts serving at the household of the girl as a servant. Finally, in return of his services he takes away the girl as his bride.

Marriage by Capture

marriage by capture is of three types-

Among a number of tribes, the sex ratio may be adverse since the number of women is low, they invade other tribes and forcefully take away girls from those tribes.

In other type of marriage by capture, the entire event is pre-planned between both the families. It is in order to get rid of the expenses involved in marriage. The girls family will show a fake resistance and the daughter will be taken away by the boy’s family.

The most typical type of marriage by capture is seen among the Birhor tribe of Odisha. In this type of marriage if a boy starts liking a girl he starts following her. At the end he may wait for the girl at a public place with vernilion mixed with oil.  The moment she arrives the vermilion is applied to her forehead. The marriage is said to be complete.

Marriage by Exchange

In this type of marriage, two families exchange their daughters. This exchange of daughters can take place in the same generation and can take place also into two different generations. The cross cousin marriage which is seen among the Gond tribe of M.P is also an example of marriage by exchange.

Marriage by Purchase

The marriage by Purchase is common among a number of tribes. In this type of amrriage bride is purchased by the groom through price-negotiation. The payment can be done in cash or in kind. It may be followed mainly because of extreme poverty.

Marriage by Mutual Love and Elopement

Marriage by Mutual Love and Elopement is one of the most common forms of marriage among the tribals. Even if family members are not against love marriages, the boy and girl may elope just for the sake of adventure. However, even after that the family members eagerly wait for the return of the couple which is celebrated.


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