In the hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh, the Hatti tribe practices a distinctive marital tradition known as Jodidara. This age-old custom reflects the community’s way of adapting to the challenges of life in mountainous terrain, where land is scarce and family unity is vital.
The Practice
Under the Jodidara system, two or more brothers share one wife. The arrangement is based on mutual agreement within the family, and the wife lives with each brother in turn. All children born from the union are raised collectively, treated as part of one family rather than being divided among individual parents.
Purpose and Significance
The primary reason behind this practice is to prevent the division of land among siblings. In the hilly regions, agricultural land is limited, and splitting it into smaller portions would make survival difficult. By sharing one wife, the brothers ensure that the family remains united, the land stays intact, and resources are managed collectively.
Social Impact
While unusual to outsiders, Jodidara has been an accepted norm within the Hatti tribe for generations. It reinforces the values of cooperation, unity, and shared responsibility. The system also reflects the tribe’s pragmatic approach to sustaining livelihoods in a challenging environment.
Cultural Identity
Jodidara remains a defining aspect of the Hatti tribe’s cultural identity. Though modern influences are gradually reshaping traditions, this practice continues to be remembered as a symbol of how communities adapt their social structures to geographical and economic realities.
