In every tribal society there are certain taboos and rules connected with the institution of marriage. There are different advantages and disadvantages of these taboos. The important amongst these are exogamy and endogamy.
Exogamy among Tribals
Defining exogamy, E. A. Hoebel has written, “It may be defined as a social rule that prohibits a person from marrying within a defamed social group of which he is a member.” According to the rule of exogamy a man can marry only outside a certain group. This group may be his caste, tribe, clan or totem. Generally, the tribals are forbidden to marry within their clan and totem group. The custom of totem exogamy is also universal in Indian tribes. Among Khasi tribe clan exogamy is the custom. In some tribes one finds village exogamy in which marriage cannot be contracted within the village. An example is the Munda tribe of Chhota Nagpur. In south India the Erula tribe observes class exogamy. Similar is the custom among the Nagas of Assam.
Different scholars have advanced reasons for the custom of exogamy. According to Risley the reason behind the custom of endogamy is the desire of novelty. Because of his desire for novelty the male does not want to marry any woman of his acquaintance within his group. Psychologically, novelty is a factor in marital relationship but it cannot be said that novelty cannot be secured in one’s own group.
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According to Westermarck the main cause of exogamy is the prohibition of incest. This is definitely an important factor in exogamy. According to Audrey Richards, the cause of exogamy is the scarcity of women because of the evil custom of killing daughters. It is because of scarcity of women in the group that most of the males are compelled to find their mate from some other group.
This is an important cause of exogamy. But the most important causes of exogamy are the prohibitions concerning totem and clan. The members of a totem and clans are considered to have blood relationships. The custom of totem and clan exogamy is, therefore, quite understandable.
Endogamy
Defining endogamy, Hoebel has written, “It is a social rule that requires a person to marry within a defined social group of which he is member.” Thus, in contrast with exogamy, in endogamy a man has to seek his mate within his own group. This group many be his caste, tribe, clan etc. Endogamy is prevalent among the different classes of Bhil and Toda tribes. The following are the important causes of endogamy:
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1. Fear of strangers
The most important cause of endogamy is the primitive man’s natural fear of strangers. They think that the stranger may harm them by means of magic and therefore, they prefer to marry within their own group. This is the cause of endogamy in Korawa tribe.
2. Racial and Geographical differences
The racial and geographical differences create guilt among different tribes so that they fear each other and do not enter into marital relationships.
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3. Protection of tribal specialities
Different tribes have a natural desire to protect their cultural, linguistic and other specialities. This is possible only in the custom of endogamy.
4. Other causes
Among other important causes of endogamy are absence of sufficient means of transport and communication, illiteracy, self- sufficient of a tribe etc.