Topic– Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
1) Do you think matrilineal family structure like the one practiced by Khasi tribe, disfavours men. Analyze.(250 words)
Directive word
Analyze-here we have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts, and present them as a whole in a summary.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to dig deep into the matrilineal family system of the Khasis of Meghalaya and bring out whether it disfavours men or not.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– Define what is a matrilineal family structure.
Body-
- Discuss the matrilineal family structure of Khasi tribes in detail. E.g Women have a dominant role in the matrilineal society of Meghalaya. The youngest daughter of the family, the Ka Khadduh,[9] inherits all ancestral property. After marriage, husbands live in the mother-in-law’s home. The mother’s surname is taken by children. While the society is matrilineal, it is not matriarchal. A woman inherits property from her mother and passes it on to her daughter, while a man controls his sister’s property and passes on control to his sister’s son. Thus, inheritance passes from mother to daughter whereas control passes from (maternal) uncle to nephew etc.
- Discuss whether it is discriminatory against men. E.g Khasi matriliny generates intense role conflict for men. They are torn between their responsibilities to their natal house on the one hand, and to their wife and children on the other. In a way, the strain generated by such role conflict affects Khasi women more intensely etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
