Which tribe is matrilineal?
(2) Khasi
The question asks to identify which of the given tribes follows a matrilineal system.
Understanding Matrilineal Societies
A matrilineal society is a society in which lineage, inheritance, and often authority are traced through the mother's line. In such societies:
- Children belong to their mother's clan or lineage.
- Property and titles are typically passed down from mother to daughter.
- Residence after marriage might be with the wife's family (matrilocal) or the husband might move to the wife's household.
- The mother's brothers often play a significant role in raising children and managing lineage affairs.
Analysis of the Given Tribes
Let's examine the social structure of the tribes mentioned in the options:
- Bakarwal: The Bakarwal are primarily a nomadic pastoral community found in Jammu and Kashmir. Their social structure is generally considered patrilineal, tracing descent through the father's line.
- Khasi: The Khasi people, primarily residing in Meghalaya, India, are known for their distinct matrilineal social system.
- Lineage is traced through the mother.
- The youngest daughter (Ka Khatduh) inherits most of the family property.
- Children take the mother's surname.
- Men often move to live in their wife's home after marriage (matrilocal residence is common).
- Bhil: The Bhil are one of the largest tribal groups in India, spread across states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Their social structure is largely patrilineal.
- Santhal: The Santhal are a large tribal group found in states like Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. Their social structure is primarily patrilineal, with descent traced through the father.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis of the social structures of the given tribes, the Khasi tribe is known for its matrilineal system, where lineage and inheritance are traced through the mother's line. The other tribes listed, Bakarwal, Bhil, and Santhal, generally follow patrilineal systems.
Therefore, the tribe that is matrilineal among the options is the Khasi tribe.
| Tribe | Social Structure Type | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Bakarwal | Mostly Patrilineal | Descent through father's line. |
| Khasi | Matrilineal | Lineage through mother, inheritance via youngest daughter, matrilocal residence often seen. |
| Bhil | Mostly Patrilineal | Descent through father's line. |
| Santhal | Mostly Patrilineal | Descent through father's line. |
Revision Table: Matrilineal Tribe Identification
| Concept | Description |
|---|---|
| Matrilineal Society | System where lineage and inheritance are traced through the mother. |
| Khasi Tribe | Prominent example of a matrilineal tribe in India (Meghalaya). |
| Patrilineal Society | System where lineage and inheritance are traced through the father. |
| Other Tribes (Bakarwal, Bhil, Santhal) | Generally follow patrilineal systems. |
Additional Information on Matrilineal Systems
While patrilineal systems are more common globally, several groups around the world follow matrilineal systems, though the specific practices can vary. In India, besides the Khasi, the Garo tribe (also in Meghalaya) and some groups within the Nair community of Kerala have historically followed matrilineal traditions. Matrilineal systems often influence not just inheritance but also social roles, decision-making within the family and community, and marriage customs. Understanding these different social structures helps in appreciating the diversity of human societies.
Important Questions from Social Institutions Continuity and Change
Which of the following arguments are correct about tribes in India ?
(A) Adivasis were always the oppressed group, as they are now.
(B) Tribes were absorbed in Hindu society through Sanskritisation.
(C) Tribes occupied a special trade niche, trading forest produce, salt, and elephants.
(D) Adivasis often exercised dominance over the plains people through their capacity to raid them.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:Who amongst the following Sociologists remarked that tribal institutions in themselves need not necessarily be democratic in their structure and functioning ?
Match the following terms (List-I) with their description (List-II):
List-I
(Terms)List-II
(Descriptions)(A) Varna system (I) Process of adopting higher caste practices (B) Scheduled Castes (II) Four-fold division of society (C) Sanskritisation (III) Opposed to Hindu society (D) Resistance Tribes (IV) Recognised by Govt. of India Act, 1935 Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Take the given statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance with commonly known facts. Then decide which of the given conclusions logically follow the given statements.
Statements:
- 0% chairs are tables.
- All computers are chairs.
- Some books are tables.
Conclusions:
- I. Not a single table is a computer.
- II. Some books are not chairs.
In a family, Bhanu is the father of Kamlesh. Bhanu has only two children. Kamlesh is the brother of Ritu. Ritu is the daughter of Santosh. Aryan is the grandson of Santosh. Sunny is the father of Aryan. How is Sunny related to Bhanu?
