Page 110 - Health, Population and Environment Education 9

Polygamy can be further divided into two types as:

i. Polyandry
Polyandry is the type of polygamy in which a
female has many husbands. Some years back it was
practised in Karnali region in Nepal. Likewise, in
ancient Hindu epic Mahabarat, Draupadi had five
husbands (The Pandavas).

ii. Polygyny
Polygyny is the type of polygamy in which a male
has many wives. It is common in Muslim community Fig: 36
and various tribes in world.

2. On the basis of marriage arrangement
Marriage is divided into three major types on the basis of arrangement. They are as follows:

a. Arranged marriage
The marriage which is arranged by parents with the
consent of their children at the appropriate age is
called arranged marriage.
Arranged marriage is popular in our country. No
matter, how much educated people are, many people
prefer to have arranged marriage. The parents search
appropriate bride and bridegroom for their children.
They give priority for caste, family back ground, Fig: 37
family status, individuals’ education, employment,
etc. while searching bride and bridegroom. After searching and finding appropriate bride
or bridegroom, with the consent of children, parents fix the date of marriage. Finally, a
male and a female are tied up based on individuals’ social norms and values, cultural
activities and religious practices.
It is the best type of marriage. The couples have less chances of conflict or disputes in
the name of family status, caste or family matters. The family, relatives and society easily
accept this marriage. Children get active support from the parents during problems.
However, individuals may have less chances to know about each others attitudes, interest,
feelings and behaviours.

b. Love marriage
The marriage arranged by individuals themselves at the appropriate age is called love
marriage.
110 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9