Marriage Systems among the Bodos: Tradition and Change

Marriage is an important social institution among the Bodo community of Assam. Commonly known as Haba, marriage establishes relationships between individuals, families, and the wider community. Traditional Bodo marriage is associated with family participation, clan rules, customary practices, religious beliefs, and community celebrations. Different forms of marriage have been described in the literature, including family-arranged marriage, marriage by mutual choice, elopement, marriage involving service by the groom, and widow remarriage. However, practices may differ according to locality, religion, and family circumstances. In recent decades, education, urbanization, migration, economic change, and religious diversity have influenced marriage customs. This paper examines traditional marriage practices, their social and cultural significance, and contemporary changes among the Bodos, particularly in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) of Assam. It follows a descriptive and analytical approach based on secondary sources. The paper highlights the importance of documenting customary practices while recognizing changing social values, individual choice, gender equality, and legal awareness.

Bodo community, marriage system, clan exogamy, customary practices, social change

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