Q: Explain the thematic linkages between ‘Patriarchy’ and ‘Honour killing’ in India, citing some recent cases.

Model Answer:

Patriarchy and Honour Killing in India: Thematic Linkages

Patriarchy in India is a deeply rooted social system where men hold predominant power and authority over women in familial and societal contexts. Honor killings are an extreme manifestation of this patriarchal control, where individuals are murdered by family members for perceived transgressions against societal norms, particularly those related to marriage and sexuality.

Key thematic linkages include:

1. Control over female sexuality and choices:
– Patriarchy enforces strict codes of conduct for women, particularly concerning their sexuality and marriage choices.
– Uma Chakravarti’s concept of “Brahmanical patriarchy” explains how caste and gender intersect to control women’s bodies and behavior to maintain caste purity and family honor.
– When women defy these norms—by choosing their own partners, marrying outside their caste, or pursuing autonomy—they challenge the patriarchal order, prompting severe repercussions.

2. Reinforcement of patriarchal norms:
– Honor killings serve as a tool to reinforce patriarchal norms by punishing deviations.
– These killings are often justified as necessary to restore the family’s honor, which is perceived to have been tarnished by the individual’s actions.
– André Béteille’s work on kinship and social structure highlights how family and community pressure uphold traditional norms, sometimes leading to violence to enforce conformity.

3. Intersection of caste and patriarchy:
– The 2018 murder of Pranay Kumar in Telangana exemplifies how patriarchal and caste-based prejudices can lead to honor killings.
– Pranay, a Dalit man, was killed by hired assassins allegedly orchestrated by his wife’s father, who opposed their inter-caste marriage.
– This case illustrates how honor killings are used to prevent the dilution of caste purity and uphold male dominance in familial decisions.

4. Community institutions and patriarchal control:
– The 2010 Manoj-Babli case in Haryana involved a couple killed on the orders of a khap panchayat for marrying within the same gotra (clan), considered incestuous under traditional norms.
– This incident underscores how patriarchal structures leverage community institutions to enforce conformity and punish those who undermine established social codes.

In conclusion, the thematic linkage between patriarchy and honor killings in India is evident in how patriarchal systems enforce control and punish transgressions to maintain societal norms. Addressing this issue necessitates confronting patriarchal attitudes and empowering individuals, particularly women, to make autonomous choices without fear of retribution.