We all know that after marriage, girls are the ones who have to leave behind their everything and go to their husband's house. They have to leave back their parents and carry only memories with them.
But do you know that there is a state in India where the opposite happens!!
Traditional dress of Meghalaya
Yes, Meghalaya, a state in northeast India, is the only state where the matrilineal system is followed. After marriage, the boys have to go and reside with their wives in their homes. There are reasons behind it.
Many tribes in Meghalaya offer women a much high priority over men as a mark of respect. They are broad-minded people who bring up their kids unbiased. They really treat boys and girls equally, unlike most of the states in north India.
In case the women want to leave the men, she can do that easily after their divorce, and if she wants to marry again, she goes for it. It is a woman-dominated society where women take up the responsibility of their home.
Most of the women's population are well educated and settled. The property distribution is also very unique in Meghalaya. The entire property goes to the youngest daughter and will be the owner of the house.
Let us know who are those tribes of Meghalaya who follow this system and why?
Basically, there are three main tribes in Meghalaya: the Khasis, the gyros, the joints. In all these tribes, almost all subtribes follow this unique system. The birth of a girl is celebrated while the birth of a boy is accepted. The girls become more successful with their age while boys do satisfied works. Girls can marry boys of their own choice and even can remarry. The youngest daughter owns the entire property.
Traditonal khasi men dress
Care of children is the responsibility of mothers or mothers-in-law. The youngest daughter of this society who inherits the ancestral property holds a pivotal role in looking after the welfare of her parents in their old age and the welfare and education of her siblings.
Some Khasi men perceive themselves to be accorded secondary status. They have established societies such as the Syngkhong Rympei Thymmai(SRT) (3,000 members) and Sam Kam Rin Ku Mai (Societal Restructuring Association) to protect equal rights for men. They express that "Khasi men don’t have any security; they don’t own land, they don’t run the family business and, at the same time, they are almost good for nothing." However, Patricia Mukhim, who edits the Shillong Times, feels: "I tend to think Khasi men feel diminished in their manhood than outsiders... it's a pity because that's what distinguishes us from the others."
While society is matrilineal, it is not matriarchal. In past monarchies of the state, the youngest sister of the king inherited the throne. Even now, in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly or village councils or panchayats, women's representation in politics is minimal. As of 2013, in a Meghalaya Legislative Assembly of 60 members, there are only four women. In the male-centric Dorbar Shnong, which is the basic political arm of the tribes, women are not permitted to hold office. However, women feel that they take better care of money than men, and they enjoy economic freedom.
These facts reveal to us that why Meghalaya follows matrilineal. This is to give women a mark of respect and to empower them.
Interesting
Interesting
Thank u
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