ARE TRIBAL MARRIAGES A MEDIUM FOR RACIAL EXPLOITATION? TRIBAL WEDDINGS IN THE WAYANAD DISTRICT OF KERALA: RELATING TO AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL STUDY

Abstract (English)

Among the Wayanad tribes, there is currently another dilemma. Non-tribal weddings. These days, it is becoming the norm for all tribal groups, including the indigenous tribes- Paniya, Adiya, Kurichyar, Kattunaikar, Kurumar, and so on. One of the ongoing areas of exploitation of scheduled tribes is marriage exploitation. Numerous instances exist where native girls, especially minor girls, are married off to unscheduled residents of neighboring regions. We refer to marriages that involve scheduled tribes being requested for a substantial fee as Kutiyadi weddings. Acknowledging that the girls and their families are ignorant of tribes, the marriage brokers entice them with cash, alcohol, and a substantial commission. These marriages are arranged by seducing the scheduled castes with money and preying on their ignorance. These unions not only jeopardize the tribal people's distinctive customs and culture, but it is an instance of racial oppression. Unregistered marriages are common. Tribes themselves won't exist in the future if such marriages persist, casting doubt on their continued existence. This study attempts to discuss the anthropological and sociological problems brought about by non-traditional marriages in tribal settings.