Marriage in India functions as a fundamental social institution that reflects and sustains the country’s complex intersections of culture, economy, religion, and gender. This paper explores how marriage structures—patrilineal, matrilineal, patriarchal, and matriarchal—relate to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The study employs a comparative qualitative approach, using secondary literature and ethnographic data from seven Indian communities: the Khasi of Meghalaya, the matrilineal Nair community of Kerala, patriarchal societies in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, and mixed or transitional systems in Assam, Goa, and Mizoram. Findings show that marriage structures strongly shape women’s autonomy, property rights, economic participation, and social equality. Matrilineal and matrilocal systems provide certain advantages for women’s security and inheritance, while patriarchal systems reinforce gender hierarchies and restrict women’s socio-economic mobility. The paper argues that reforming marriage institutions and promoting equitable family laws are central to achieving sustainable development in India.
Mayuri Bharali (Mon,) studied this question.