The Vedas mention many cases of polygamy. Another practice that is also described, although less common is polyandry, like in the case of Draupadi, and Pramloca. Should we also do it? Not so fast...
The Vedas do not promote polygamy but mention its occasional practice, especially among royalty for social or political reasons. The Rigveda emphasizes monogamy, and the Atharvaveda highlights the sanctity of a single union. Later texts like the Manusmriti and epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana reference polygamy. While the Vedas lay the foundation for marriage, monogamy aligns more with their ideals of dharma and partnership.
The practice of polyandry is still prevalent in several parts of rural India in the form of "adelphic polyandry" for reasons similar to what the article describes about the practice in Tibet.
The late Punjabi singer Amar Singh Chamkila's song ਭੁਲ ਗਈ ਮੈਂ ਘੁੰਡ ਕਡਨਾ in part explores some of the social dynamics that can arise within extended families where such practice may exist:
The Vedas do not promote polygamy but mention its occasional practice, especially among royalty for social or political reasons. The Rigveda emphasizes monogamy, and the Atharvaveda highlights the sanctity of a single union. Later texts like the Manusmriti and epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana reference polygamy. While the Vedas lay the foundation for marriage, monogamy aligns more with their ideals of dharma and partnership.
Yes, we can see that Lord Rama gave the highest standard by being faithful to just one wife.
The practice of polyandry is still prevalent in several parts of rural India in the form of "adelphic polyandry" for reasons similar to what the article describes about the practice in Tibet.
The late Punjabi singer Amar Singh Chamkila's song ਭੁਲ ਗਈ ਮੈਂ ਘੁੰਡ ਕਡਨਾ in part explores some of the social dynamics that can arise within extended families where such practice may exist:
https://substack.com/home/post/p-156451365?source=queue
Thanks!