Mih-Lam: Marriage Practices among the Mossang Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh

Abstract

In any society, marriage is perceived as an important part of an individual’s social life, as it legitimises the union that is formed and the family that is created. Marriages are always governed by certain norms and rules, whether under a modern legal framework or customary law. In the tribal societies of Arunachal Pradesh, social life, including marital relationships, is largely governed and regulated by long-standing customary norms and practices. The Mossangs are one such sub-tribe of Arunachal Pradesh with their own distinct culture and traditions. Marriage among the Mossangs is closely linked to tradition, custom, and community life, which together provide social recognition and legitimacy to the marital union. However, very few studies have been conducted on the marriage system of the Mossangs, and it remains largely undocumented. Hence, the present study attempts to examine the traditional practices and patterns of marriage among the Mossangs, the rituals and types of marriage, and the gradual transformations taking place in the context of contemporary society.