Q: Define the concepts of ‘Descent’ and ‘Alliance’. Differentiate between North Indian and South Indian Kinship systems with examples.

Model Answer:

Descent:

Descent refers to the socio-cultural relationship that links individuals through parentage and is traced through a line of ancestors. These lines of ancestors are known as descent lines or lineages. There are two types of descent systems: Unilineal (either patrilineal or matrilineal) and Bilateral (both paternal and maternal lines are equally important).

Alliance:

Alliance, in the context of kinship, refers to the relationships created through marriage. This system of kinship emphasizes the relationships that are the result of marital alliances. It is based on the principle of reciprocity and mutual exchange. The alliance theory was proposed by Claude Levi-Strauss, a French anthropologist, who believed that the primary function of kinship systems in many societies was to create alliances through marriage.

North Indian vs South Indian Kinship Systems:

Kinship system in India is a significant aspect of Indian society, which is essentially a system of social relationships expressed in a biological idiom through terms such as mother, son, etc. The kinship system in India is diverse and varies from region to region. Broadly, it can be divided into two types: North Indian Kinship System and South Indian Kinship System.

North Indian Kinship System:

The North Indian kinship system is characterized by the dominance of patrilineal descent and patrilocal residence. This means that descent is traced through the father’s line, and after marriage, the woman moves to her husband’s residence.

The North Indian kinship system is also marked by a clear distinction between cross-cousins and parallel cousins. Cross-cousins are children of siblings of different sexes, while parallel cousins are children of siblings of the same sex. In the North Indian kinship system, cross-cousins are considered potential marriage partners, while parallel cousins are considered siblings.

South Indian Kinship System:

The South Indian kinship system, on the other hand, is characterized by the dominance of matrilineal descent and matrilocal residence in some communities. This means that descent is traced through the mother’s line, and after marriage, the man moves to his wife’s residence. However, it should be noted that this is not universal across all South Indian communities, many of which also follow the patrilineal system.

In the South Indian kinship system, there is no clear distinction between cross-cousins and parallel cousins. Both are considered potential marriage partners, and marriages between cross-cousins are common and socially acceptable.

In conclusion, the kinship systems in North and South India are shaped by the cultural, social, and economic contexts of the respective regions. They reflect the societal norms and values, and play a crucial role in social organization, marriage practices, inheritance rights, and other aspects of social life.