India's Matriarchs: Where Grooms Join Brides' Homes

In Meghalaya, the Khasi community practices a unique matrilineal system where family lineage, clan identity, and inheritance are traced through the mother. Contrary to common Indian traditions, it is often the groom who moves into the bride's home after marriage. The youngest daughter, known as the khatduh, traditionally inherits the family's ancestral property and becomes the custodian of family responsibilities, including caring for ageing parents and dependent siblings.

This matrilineal structure, distinct from matriarchy, means descent and property follow the maternal line. While women hold a central position in family and property matters, political and community leadership have historically been male-dominated. The role of the father remains significant as the executive head and breadwinner within his wife's household, even though he does not inherit her ancestral property.

Debates within the Khasi community highlight a men's rights movement questioning aspects of the matrilineal system, with some men believing customs disadvantage them. Despite these discussions and evolving marriage practices like love marriages and Christian influences, the core Khasi system persists, emphasizing the maternal line as the foundation of identity and inheritance.