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In stark contrast, southern India follows an asymmetrical community family system, fostering a more egalitarian environment where cousin marriages are restricted, yet the bond between siblings remains crucial. Here, cultural practices lend more autonomy and respect to women, who generally marry later and enjoy higher societal standing compared to their northern counterparts.
The Caste System: Rigid but Evolving
At the heart of India’s societal structure is the caste system, deeply intertwined with its demographic fabric. Emerging from ancient hierarchies established during the Indo-European migrations, the caste system comprises four primary varnas, along with countless jatis or subcastes that define social interactions, occupations, and marriages within localized communities.