Hatti Tribe

The recent polyandrous marriage involving two brothers of the Hatti tribe in Himachal Pradesh has brought attention to the tribe's unique cultural practices. This traditional practice of polyandry, where one woman marries multiple men (in this case, brothers), remains a distinctive aspect of the Hatti community's customs.

About the Hatti Tribe:

1. Name and Occupation:

   • The Hatti tribe derives its name from their traditional occupation, which involves selling home-grown crops, vegetables, meat, and wool in local markets called ‘haats’.

   Location:

   • The Hattis predominantly reside in the Himachal-Uttarakhand border area, particularly around the Giri and Tons rivers, which are tributaries of the Yamuna. The Hattis live in the Trans-Giri area of Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh and the Jaunsar Bawar area of Uttarakhand.

   Distinctive Customs:

   • Men of the Hatti tribe are known for wearing distinctive white headgear during ceremonial occasions, an important cultural symbol.

     The Hatti community is known for intermarriages between the two main clans: one in Himachal Pradesh and the other in Uttarakhand. These inter-clan marriages help in maintaining social harmony and ties between the communities.

   Governance:

   • The Hatti tribe is traditionally governed by a ‘khumbli’, a community council that makes decisions on matters affecting the tribe and acts as a local judicial body.

   Economy:

   • The primary livelihood of the Hattis is agriculture, especially in the cultivation of cash crops, as the climate in the region is favorable for this purpose.

   Population and Demographics:

   • According to the 2011 census, the Hatti community had a population of around 2.5 lakh. Present estimates place their population at approximately 3 lakh.

     In 2023, the Indian government granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Hatti community in Himachal Pradesh. The Jaunsar-Bawar region of Uttarakhand had already been granted tribal status in 1967.

   Polyandry Tradition:

   • The polyandrous marriage system is still practiced by the Hatti tribe, where one woman marries multiple men, typically brothers. This form of marriage is thought to be rooted in ensuring family property stays within the lineage, and it's seen as a method of controlling population growth and land division in the region.

Conclusion:

The Hatti tribe of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand is a fascinating example of India’s tribal diversity. Their polyandrous marriage system, unique cultural practices, and recent recognition as a Scheduled Tribe reflect both the rich cultural heritage and evolving socio-political dynamics of the community.