What Is Polyandry Marriage? One Woman, Two Husbands - Himachal Couple Revives Rare Custom

In a quiet corner of Himachal Pradesh, a centuries-old tradition just made a modern-day comeback. A woman marrying two brothers might sound unusual in today’s world, but this age-old practice - known as polyandry - has deep roots in certain cultures. Let’s explore what polyandry really means, why it emerged, and how it continues to survive in a few hidden pockets of the world.



What is Polyandry?
Polyandry is a rare form of marriage where a woman has more than one husband at the same time. While this may seem unconventional today, it once served as a practical solution in harsh environments, especially in mountainous and tribal regions where resources were scarce. The most common form, fraternal polyandry , involves a woman marrying brothers from the same family.

A Modern Revival in Himachal Pradesh
Recently, in Shillai village of Himachal Pradesh, Sunita Chauhan married two brothers, Pradeep and Kapil Negi , following the local Hatti tribe ’s ancient custom called Jodidara. The couple stated their decision was made freely and proudly, drawing hundreds of witnesses from nearby villages. Though rare, such marriages are still recognised under certain traditional laws in the region.



Historical Roots of Polyandry
Polyandry has existed for centuries in regions where survival was a daily challenge. Historical evidence points to its presence in Tibetan and Himalayan communities, where land was scarce and family unity was crucial. Even Indian mythology recounts the tale of Draupadi, who was married to the five Pandavas - a classic example of fraternal polyandry.

Two Main Types of Polyandry

1. Fraternal Polyandry

• A woman marries two or more brothers.
• Prevents division of family land and resources.
• Strengthens family unity.

2. Non-Fraternal Polyandry

• A woman marries several unrelated men.
• Less common and usually driven by economic or social reasons.

Where is Polyandry Still Practised?
Though largely outlawed, polyandry persists quietly in certain regions:

• India: Tribal and hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh.

• Tibet: Traditionally common to preserve family estates.

• Nepal: Some ethnic Himalayan groups continue the practice.

• Africa: Rare and limited to a few tribal communities.

Why Some Societies Turned to Polyandry
Polyandry wasn’t just a cultural quirk - it had practical benefits:

• Land Preservation: Prevented fragmentation of ancestral land.
• Economic Support: More husbands meant more earning members.
• Population Control: Fewer women meant fewer births.
• Social Stability: Multiple partners offered greater security to women.

Legal Status of Polyandry
In modern times, polyandry is not legally recognised in India or most other countries. Indian law only permits monogamous marriages. Polyandrous unions are not registered and hold no legal validity. Still, in remote areas, these customs survive informally, rooted deeply in tradition rather than law.

Polyandry is a rare glimpse into how ancient communities adapted to tough circumstances. While largely absent from modern legal systems, it continues to exist quietly in pockets of India and beyond - reminding us that marriage, like culture, is not one-size-fits-all.