Matriliny in Transition: A Comparative Analysis

This work is a learned attempt by the author on two elite female dominant cultures located on the extreme poles of India; one in the north-eastern corner of the country and the other on the south west end. In these days of heated discussions on the empowerment of women, it is gratifying to find that there are societies where women still reign. The author analyses two such unique societies in transition; the Nairs of Kerala who have already shifted to patriliny legally while the Khasis of Meghalaya are still holding on to it. By historicising matriliny as a process of social evolution, the author analyses the most complex and dynamic socio-politico-economic factors affecting these societies to change or dilute its content.