Inheritance, Identity, and Power: The Role of Women and Maternal Uncle in Khasi Matrilineal Lineage System

Mebabynta Mylliemngap

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i05.28765

Inheritance, Identity, and Power: The Role of Women and Maternal Uncle in Khasi Matrilineal Lineage System

Author(s)	Mebabynta Mylliemngap
Country	India
Abstract	The Khasi tribe of Meghalaya, India, is one of the few societies globally that practices matrilineal descent, where inheritance, identity, and power are transmitted through the female line. This system, which places women as the primary custodians of property and lineage, contrasts sharply with patriarchal norms seen in most other societies. At the heart of the Khasi matrilineal structure are two key figures: the woman (usually the youngest daughter) and her maternal uncle, known as u “Kni”. While women inherit property and are responsible for maintaining the family’s social standing, the maternal uncle wields substantial authority over family matters, making key decisions regarding resources, social obligation, and the family's future. This study investigates the intertwined roles of women and maternal uncles in the Khasi society, focusing on how inheritance practices shape identity and power within the family and community. Using qualitative ethnographic methods and historical analysis, this research will delve into how these roles have evolved and the challenges they face in a modernizing world. Semi-structured interviews with Khasi families, including both women and maternal uncles, will provide a deep understanding of the lived experiences of these key actors. The study will also explore the influence of external factors such as education, urbanization, and shifting gender norms on traditional Khasi customs. The research will employ a case study approach focusing on multiple Khasi families across rural and urban settings to assess how geographic location impacts the persistence of traditional roles. Participant observation will be used to observe family interactions and the decision-making process about inheritance and property division. Document analysis of Khasi legal and cultural records will complement the fieldwork, providing historical context for the development of matrilineal systems in the region. This mixed-methods approach ensures that both contemporary and historical perspectives are incorporated. Findings from this study will highlight the complementary but sometimes contested nature of the relationship between Khasi women and their maternal uncles. Women, as custodians of the family’s material and social inheritance, hold significant status in their families and communities, yet their power is often moderated by the uncle’s authority, who acts as a guardian and decision-maker. This dual structure, while empowering women in many respects, also introduces tensions, especially in matters related to property disputes, marriage arrangements, and family governance
Keywords	Matrilineal, Khasi Society, Inheritance, Women Empowerment, Maternal Uncle
Field	Sociology
Published In	Volume 6, Issue 5, September-October 2024
Published On	2024-10-15
Cite This	Inheritance, Identity, and Power: The Role of Women and Maternal Uncle in Khasi Matrilineal Lineage System - Mebabynta Mylliemngap - IJFMR Volume 6, Issue 5, September-October 2024. DOI 10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i05.28765
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i05.28765
Short DOI	https://doi.org/g8k5wn

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Inheritance, Identity, and Power: The Role of Women and Maternal Uncle in Khasi Matrilineal Lineage System

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