Abstract India’s social structures are predominantly patriarchal; however, pockets of matrilineal social organization stand as noteworthy exceptions. This paper examines the concepts of matrilineal and matriarchy in the Indian context, critically analysing the nature of matrilineal traditions among the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya and the debated presence of matrilineal elements in Sikkim, focusing on Lepcha and Bhutia communities. Using secondary sources including peer-reviewed research, books, and ethnographic accounts, the paper discusses lineage, inheritance, gender roles, socio-political power, and contemporary transformations. It highlights that while matriliny exists strongly in Meghalaya, it does not equate to full matriarchy, and that Sikkim’s social organization displays gendered nuances without strong matrilineal systems.
Chandra Prasad Khatiwada (Fri,) studied this question.