Tradition of Marrying More Than One Woman | Inside Arunachal’s Polygamy Problem
April 18, 2026
In Arunachal Pradesh, a predominantly tribal state known for its rich cultural heritage, certain traditional practices continue to shape everyday life. However, as conversations around rights, equality, and justice grow, many of these customs are being questioned.
One such practice is polygyny—the system where a man can have more than one wife. Still prevalent across several of the state’s 26 tribes, particularly among the Nyishi community, polygyny has its roots in earlier socio-economic systems. Today, it continues in many forms, often reinforcing male authority while women bear its emotional and social consequences.
This film tells the story of Mameh Dada, a Nyishi woman who entered marriage with hope and trust. Having grown up witnessing polygyny, she never expected it to define her own life. But when faced with that reality, she made a choice that went against deeply embedded social norms.
Through her journey, the film explores the lived realities of women in polygynous marriages, the weight of tradition, and the difficult path towards dignity and self-respect.
This is not just one woman’s story. It is a reflection of a larger social reality.