In parts of Himachal Pradesh, India, the centuries-old practice of polyandry continues to be observed, though it is gradually fading in the face of modern social changes.
The custom, locally known as Jodidara, allows brothers in the same household to marry and share one wife, with all children born in the family considered the responsibility of every brother involved.
In one such household, two brothers share a wife and together raise seven children. “The children belong to both of us. It doesn’t mean the kids call me or him uncle. We’re both fathers. That’s how it works here,” one villager explained. For families that follow this tradition, the arrangement is not considered unusual but a cultural system passed down for generations.
Kundan Singh Shastri, general secretary of the Kendriya Hatti Samiti, told the Press Trust of India that Jodidara was established thousands of years ago to prevent the repeated division of farmland. “The practice ensured that land remained undivided, families stayed united, and conflicts were minimized,” he said. By sharing one wife, brothers also contributed collectively to farming and household duties, ensuring greater security and productivity for the family.
The system, which cuts across caste and social backgrounds, was historically seen as a way to strengthen family unity and provide economic stability. Village elders note that having more men within one household meant better protection, more hands for agricultural work, and fewer disputes over property inheritance.
Despite its deep roots, polyandry is increasingly rare today. Education, urban migration, shrinking landholdings, and the growth of individualism have all contributed to its decline. Younger generations often prefer independent marriages and city-based lifestyles, which leave behind traditional rural practices.
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Yet, some villagers still defend the system. In Kota Kwanu, a community member remarked: “These days love in society is reducing. People are getting educated, marrying separately, moving to cities, and leaving their land and people behind. We urge you to spread this practice of polyandry – it keeps love among brothers and families.”
For many in these regions, polyandry is not merely a marital arrangement but a cultural safeguard that has preserved family bonds, farmland, and harmony for centuries. Whether it will endure in the face of modernization remains uncertain, but advocates insist it continues to hold social and emotional value in communities where it is still practiced.
The Independent
