Multiple wives most common among tribals: NFHS data

National family health survey (NFHS) data

According to National family health survey (NFHS) data Polygyny (Practice of having more than one wife) is prevalent not only in Muslims but almost as prevalent in other communities. Though on the decline in all.

Which region of India have the highest proportion of women reporting polygyny

The north-eastern states with high tribal population have the highest proportion of women reporting polygyny. 

Eastern and south eastern state have higher prevalence of polygyny then North India.

What is the reason?

Overall, Polygynous marriage was found to be higher among poor, uneducated, rural and older women. It indicated that social economic factors also played a role in this form of marriage in addition to region and religion.

Overall Prevalence of polygyny in India is fading away.

But the Prevalence of polygyny in India is very low and fading away.

In India, polygynous marriages have decreased from 1.9% in 2006 to 1.4% in 2020. 

In all round of NFHS, polygynous marriages were higher among older women aged 35 years and above, partly an indication of the practice being on the decline.