Widow Remarriage and Innovative Dowry Practices Among Jawadhu Hill Tribes: A Historical Study

G. Ranganathan

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the origin, social structure, and unique cultural elements of the Malayali tribes living in the Jawadhu Hills in the Tirupattur District. In particular, their marriage practices, secondary remarriage, and innovative dowry systems are based on historical evidence. This historical study is based on historical sources such as 19th-century documents, such as John Shortt's The Hill Ranges of Southern India-III (1871). Salem District Manual-1883, Part-2, H. Le Fanu and reports from British officials. Jawadhu Malayalis and pojaris are identified as the indigenous inhabitants of the Jawadhu hills. This tribe had progressive marriage practices that respected women's rights, including widow remarriage. In particular, there was an innovative dowry practice called "Perungatti Selluthal", where money and grains were given from the groom's house to the bride's house. This social custom is beneficial to women. In India, where dowry is a major problem in modern society, this custom of the Jawadhu hill tribe people speaks volumes about their cultural superiority and the social elevation they have given women. This study is important because it reveals admirable elements of the tribe's social structure.

Keywords: Widow remarriage, innovative dowry system, Jawadhu hill tribes, Malayali tribes,Pujaris, Perungatti Selluthal, Jawadhu Hills

How to Cite?: G. Ranganathan, "Widow Remarriage and Innovative Dowry Practices Among Jawadhu Hill Tribes: A Historical Study", Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 146-147, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251202001028, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251202001028