The Unusual Practice of Polyandry in Bhutan



Cultural News
The Unusual Practice of Polyandry in Bhutan

In the unique cultural tapestry of Bhutan, an ancient practice of polyandry, where a woman can have two husbands, has long been a part of the country's social fabric. Although Bhutan officially abolished this polyandry system 37 years ago and adopted a monogamous marriage law, historical and cultural inertia has ensured that traces of this custom still persist in certain regions.

 

Bhutan, a landlocked country nestled in the Himalayas between India and China, has a rich and diverse cultural heritage. The practice of polyandry in Bhutan has deep - rooted cultural and economic implications. In some rural areas, it was a way to keep family property intact. When a woman married multiple brothers, for example, the family land and resources would not be divided among different families, thus maintaining the economic stability of the household. Also, in Bhutanese society, especially in the past, daughters often took on the responsibility of caring for their parents, and as a result, they were entitled to inherit a significant portion of the family's property. This relatively high - status position of women in inheritance matters may have also contributed to the existence of polyandry.

 

However, with the advent of modernization, the influence of global media, and an increasing number of Bhutanese receiving foreign education, the younger generation is gradually moving away from such traditional and somewhat unusual cultural practices. Today, polyandry is mainly found in small, isolated, and nomadic communities in the high Himalayas. These communities, which lead a semi - sedentary life with their livestock, still cling to some of the age - old traditions. As Bhutan continues to develop and integrate more with the global community, it remains to be seen how long this unique practice will continue to survive in the face of changing social norms and values.
Latest Stories
Travel News2 minute readThe Valensole Plateau in Provence, France, is currently 沉浸在一片紫色的海洋中. The 9,500-hectare lavender fields entered their peak bloom on July 14, with the harvest season expected to last until July 28, inviting travelers worldwide to witness this "most romantic rendezvous in Southern France".
Entertainment News1 minute readMarion Cotillard, a French actress with a striking presence and distinct personality, has emerged as one of the most accomplished talents in contemporary French cinema. Her ability to balance stunning beauty with extraordinary acting prowess has made her a standout figure on the global stage.
Travel News2 minute readNestled along the Atlantic coast of Picardy in northern France, the Baie de Somme stands out as a unique ecosystem and year-round sanctuary for seal populations. Comprising marshes, mudflats, and sandbars, this triangular expanse serves as a vital stopover for migratory birds and hosts one of Europe's largest colonies of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually to witness its natural splendor. Natural Heritage and Ecol
Beauty News1 minute readCopenhagen-based amateur model Emma Jensen, 29, stars in Issue 173 of Life Photos of Foreign Beauties, showcasing styled yet natural poses in her everyday surroundings. The series, shot by freelance photographer Lise Hansen, blends casual elegance with intentional framing—Jensen poses by her apartment window, at a neighborhood bakery, and along tree-lined streets, all while maintaining a relaxed, unforced aura.
Sports News1 minute readThe European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) Grand Chamber ruled Thursday that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) claimed a significant victory, while South African double Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya achieved a minor win in her long-running legal battle. The "Semenya v Switzerland" case centers on Semenya’s challenge to World Athletics’ rules on athletes with Differences of Sexual Development (DSD).
Travel News2 minute readTroyes, a historic city in France’s Champagne region, is renowned as the "Capital of Half-Timbered Houses," boasting the most extensive and best-preserved collection of such structures in the country. Its historic center, a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, showcases a vivid medieval tapestry with rows of colorful half-timbered houses, earning it the status of a living open-air museum.
Industry News1 minute readIntel CEO Lip-Bu Tan publicly acknowledged in a recent internal meeting that the company has fallen out of the global top 10 semiconductor firms due to years of strategic missteps, revealing a staggering $16.6 billion loss in Q3 2024 . This marks the worst quarterly performance in Intel’s 57-year history, driven by $15.9 billion in accelerated depreciation costs tied to underperforming Intel 7 manufacturing assets and Mobileye’s goodwill impairment . To reverse its fortunes, the board approved a new strategy centered on edge AI and agent AI, coupled with global layoffs and business restructuri