The practice of a woman having several husbands is known as:
(d) Polyandry
Understanding Marriage Systems: Polyandry and Other Forms
Marriage is a social institution with various forms across different cultures. The question asks about a specific type of marriage where a woman has several husbands. Let's look at the options provided to identify the correct term describing this practice.
Analyzing Marriage Terminology
Understanding key terms related to marriage patterns is crucial in sociology and anthropology. Here are the definitions of the terms given in the options:
- Endogamy: This term refers to the practice of marrying within a specific social group, class, or ethnic group. It involves rules that limit marriage partners to individuals from inside one's own group.
- Exogamy: This is the opposite of endogamy. Exogamy is the practice of marrying outside of one's own specific social group, lineage, clan, or tribe. It involves rules that prohibit marriage partners from inside one's own group.
- Polygyny: This term describes a form of polygamy where a man has more than one wife simultaneously.
- Polyandry: This term describes a form of polygamy where a woman has more than one husband simultaneously.
Comparing the definitions to the question, which describes "a woman having several husbands," it is clear that Polyandry is the correct term for this practice.
Comparing Marriage Forms
Let's summarize the distinctions between these terms:
| Term | Description | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Endogamy | Marrying within a specific group | Group boundaries for marriage |
| Exogamy | Marrying outside a specific group | Group boundaries for marriage |
| Polygyny | A man having multiple wives | Husband's number of spouses |
| Polyandry | A woman having multiple husbands | Wife's number of spouses |
Based on the analysis, the practice of a woman having several husbands is precisely what Polyandry means. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
Revision Table: Key Marriage Terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Polyandry | One woman married to multiple men |
| Polygyny | One man married to multiple women |
| Polygamy | Having more than one spouse (includes Polygyny and Polyandry) |
| Monogamy | Having only one spouse at a time |
| Endogamy | Marrying within a defined group |
| Exogamy | Marrying outside a defined group |
Additional Information on Polyandry and Marriage Practices
Polyandry is a less common form of marriage compared to monogamy and polygyny, but it exists in various cultures around the world, historically and in contemporary times. It is sometimes found in regions with scarce resources, such as land, as it can be a way to keep property consolidated within a family. For example, fraternal polyandry, where a woman is married to a set of brothers, is practiced in some parts of the Himalayas.
Marriage practices are deeply influenced by social, economic, ecological, and cultural factors specific to a community or region. Studying these different forms helps us understand human social organization and cultural diversity.
Important Questions from Kinship, Caste and Class
Select the strategies adopted by Brahmanas to enforce the norm of ‘right’ occupation:
According to Manusmriti, Endogamy refers to marriage:
According to Manusmriti, which among the following is NOT one of the means for men to acquire wealth?
What is the meaning of the word 'Matriliny'?
Match List - I with List - II
List - I List - II A. Agha I. Wives who came from royal families B. Begum II. Concubine C. Aghacha III. Slave Eunuchs D. Khwajasara IV. Other wives who were not of noble birth Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
