Relations in Santhal Society
Relations in Santhal Society The Santhal community has a well-structured kinship system that governs family, marriage, and social interactions . Their relationships are based on clans (gotras), family hierarchy, and traditional customs . 1. Family Structure (Parivar) Santhals follow a patrilineal system, where family lineage is traced through the father's clan ( Gotra ). The family structure includes: Dada (Grandfather) Dadi (Grandmother) Baba (Father) Maai (Mother) Bhai (Brother) Bahin (Sister) Chacha (Uncle, father's younger brother) Chachi (Aunt, uncle’s wife) Mama (Maternal Uncle) Mami (Maternal Uncle’s wife) Pisa (Elder Brother of Father, like ‘Tau’ in Hindi) Pisi (Elder Sister of Father) Dulara/Dulari (Younger siblings in the family, affectionate term) 2. Clan (Gotra) Relations Santhals belong to 12 main clans (gotras) , such as Murmu, Hansda, Marandi, Soren, Tudu, Hembrom , etc. Marriage within the same clan is strictly forbidden ( Clan Exogamy ). Inter-clan marri...