Correct option is D
The correct answer is Toda.
Introduction
Fraternal polyandry is a rare form of marriage in which a woman is married to two or more brothers at the same time. This practice has historically been found in certain regions of the world, including parts of the Himalayas and Tibet, as well as in specific tribal communities in India. The main reasons for this marriage system are often economic, serving to prevent the fragmentation of family land and property. Among the options provided, the Toda tribe is the most well-known example of a community that traditionally practiced this form of marriage.
Information Booster
The Toda tribe of the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu, India, has a long history of practicing fraternal polyandry. In their tradition, when a Toda woman married a man, she was considered to be the wife of all his brothers as well. The children of the marriage were considered to be the children of all the brothers, though a specific brother would be ritually recognized as the social father through a ceremony involving a bow and arrow.
The other tribes listed, while culturally rich, do not have a history of practicing fraternal polyandry:
Irula: The Irula people are a tribal community primarily found in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Their traditional social structure and marriage customs are different and do not include fraternal polyandry.
Bhil: The Bhil tribe is one of the largest tribal groups in India, spread across several states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Their traditional marriage customs are generally monogamous or, in some cases, polygynous (one man with multiple wives).
Santhal: The Santhal are the largest tribe in India's Jharkhand state and are also found in other eastern states. Their marriage customs are typically monogamous, though forms of polygyny are also permitted.
Additional Knowledge
Fraternal polyandry is a fascinating subject for anthropologists and sociologists. It's often found in societies where land is a scarce and valuable resource. By having a single wife for all brothers, the family's property remains undivided across generations, ensuring that the family maintains its economic and social standing. It is a pragmatic solution to a specific ecological and economic problem. However, with modernization, increased access to education, and changing social norms, the practice has been in decline and is now rare even within the Toda community.
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