Polygamy

If you could erase one trend from history, what would it be?

Polygamy, defined as having more than one spouse, particularly more than one wife, is prohibited for Hindus under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955. However, classical Hindu scriptures contain numerous instances of polygamy and do not explicitly mandate monogamy.

Manusmriti, one of the most influential Dharmashastras suggests that if a wife was unable to bear children, was chronically ill or was otherwise unable to fulfill certain domestic duties, the husband might be permitted to take another wife. And for a woman, there was no other option after marriage.

It is true that polygamy has existed in Indian society for a long time, and while it is now illegal, it is still practiced in some areas. The practice of polygamy is not unique to any one religion or culture and has been justified in the past for various reasons. However, as society has evolved, the justifications for polygamy are no longer valid, and the practice should be abandoned.

Article 14 of the Constitution guarantees equal treatment and protection under the law to every individual within the territory of India. The state is prohibited from discriminating against any person based on their religion, ethnicity, gender, or place of birth, according to Article 15(1) of the Constitution.