In contemporary India, live-in relationships are a subject of extensive debate. Discussions involve a spectrum of views from social, legal, and family perspectives. Although legally permitted, a substantial portion of society still hesitates to embrace them fully. Interestingly, in Jharkhand, a state largely populated by tribal communities, an ancient tradition exists that mirrors live-in arrangements: the Dhuku practice.
Within tribal communities, if a young man and woman develop a fondness for each other and face familial opposition to marriage, the man brings the woman to his home. They then cohabit as a married couple without formal marriage rituals. This arrangement is termed Dhuku marriage.
The Dhuku custom is not age-bound. As soon as a couple desires to live together, they begin residing in the same dwelling without social ceremonies. Nevertheless, these couples only obtain social recognition when they participate in a traditional marriage, arranged by the village head or community elders.
This custom was highlighted recently by an instance in Jharkhand’s Khunti district. A 14-year-old girl arrived at Sadar Hospital, citing abdominal pain. Upon investigation, she was found to be seven months pregnant. Further inquiry confirmed her living arrangement with a 16-year-old boy under the Dhuku system. Her family had acknowledged the relationship. Subsequently, the minor gave birth to a baby girl at the hospital. Both the mother and child are fortunately in good health.
Social activists suggest that the core causes behind such practices are poverty, lack of education, and awareness. This leads to young people engaging in such customs at an early age, which creates several health and social problems later on.