摘要:The three tribal communities namely Gaddis, Kinnauras and Bhots of Himachal Pradesh
were selected to study their existing marriage and family practices. The respondents were adolescents
in the age group of 15-20 years. A total sample of 300 adolescents was selected. The study revealed
that all the communities married their daughters between 19-21 years and sons were married later
than 21 years. Majority of Bhots and Kinnauras reported non-existence of practices of matching
horoscopes. Majority of Gaddis, half of Bhots and one third Kinnauras reported engagement
ceremony. Majority of Bhots and Kinnauras and all Gaddis denied the prevalence of polyandry in
their communities. Majority of Bhots and Kinnauras reported prevalence of endogamy. Divorce was
allowed among Bhots and Kinnauras, whereas remarriage was allowed in all the three communities.
Regarding settlement of family disputes, majority of the three communities reported it was the
panchayat which helped in settling the family dispute. Vast majority of Bhots and Kinnauras and one
third Gaddis reported that women were never beaten in the family. All the three communities denied
the daughters getting share in the fathers¡¯ property. Majority of the respondents in the three
communities reported both girls and boys were expected to take household responsibilities before 15
years of age.