Book

Traditions and modernity in matrilineal tribal society

Inter-India PublicationsNew Delhi, India • Published In 1997 • Pages: 200

By: Marak, Kumie R..

Abstract
This book is a study of Garo law based on participant observation, interviews, and case records. The legal system recognizes to some extent Garo customary law practiced within the homes, clans, and villages and presided over by clan and village elders. Customary law deals mostly with inheritance and succession issues. More serious crimes such as murder are tried within the district court system. Disputes between clans or villages often end up in the district court. The author discovers that customary law consistantly respects clan ownership of land and its inheritance throught the female line, although male spouse do have rights to manage land. Disputes over land rights arise in cases of secondary or polygamous marriages. Marriage is regulated by the clan to insure that no clan property is alienated.
Subjects
Real property
Regulation of marriage
Secondary marriages
Clans
Community heads
Judicial authority
Initiation of judicial proceedings
Trial procedure
culture
Garo
HRAF PubDate
1999
Region
Asia
Sub Region
South Asia
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 1998
Field Date
not specified
Coverage Date
1936-1986
Coverage Place
Garo Hills Autonomous District, Meghalaya State, India
Notes
Kumie R. Marak
Includes bibliographical references (p. 186-194) and index
LCCN
97900413
LCSH
Garo (Indic people)