Gujjar of Himachal...
The gujjars have two endogamous religious sections-Hindu and Muslim. Each section is further subdivided into a number of exogamous gotra like Khatana, Chohan, Gursi, Didhar, Bhumphal, Kalarya, Parswal, Mahehria, Koli, Kautiya, Motte, Chaichi, Bhunch, Bargat, Kalas, Chhore, Ladi, Chai, Bajar and Badhana (Rose, 1919). These gotra denote their ancestry and regulate marriage alliances. They are also aware of the varna system and place themselves along with the Kshatriyas, through other communities place them a grade lower.
In the selection of spouse, the socioeconomic condition of the negotiating families is seen and four gotra, that is, self, father’s, mother’s and mother’s mother, are avoided. The usual age of marriage for boys is 18 to 25 years and 15 to 18 for girls. Child marriage was in vogue, but now it has given way to adult marriages. The common symbols of marriage for women are koka, choori, tika, and bala. After marriage, the residence is patrilocal. Dowry in the form of gift and cash exists, but is not asked for.
Both widow and widower remarriages are practiced. Junior levirate and sororate are also practiced. However, if the husband’s elder brother is a widower, he can marry the widowed wife of his younger brother. Likewise, remarriage of divorced man and woman can also take place. Remarriage of widowed women is without any rituals and can take place only after a month of her becoming a widow. Through rare, divorce can seek maintenance provided she chooses to remain single. Children of estranged parents remain in the custody of the father. Infants accompany the mother to be returned later to the father after they grow up....
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