MYSURU: Tribals in the state follow some fascinating traditions and custom. One such tradition is ‘marriage by service’ followed by Soligas who live deep inside the forest. Under this practise, a boy has to stay with the girl's family and work for a minimum of five years, which can be extended up to 12 years, before the wedding.
Only after the girl’s parents are satisfied that the boy can look after their daughter properly do they give consent for him to tie the nuptial knot.
Parents observe his work attitude, patience, behaviour, including caring and affection towards others, while evaluating him during his stay.
The parents agree to the marriage only if he is successful in all tests and wins their confidence. This is to ascertain if the prospective groom is eligible to hold their daughter’s hand.
For instance, if a boy wants to marry a girl, he has to work in her house and complete all the tasks assigned by family members.
In case the parents are not convinced during the five-year period, the boy has to continue work and win the hearts of the elders within 12 years.
C Madegowda, who has conducted research on Soliga community and rendered service as programme associate, ATREE, BR Hills, said only after parents are convinced that the boy can look after the girl do they agree to the marriage.
“In some instances, the boy and the girl live together without any formal marriage rituals, but with the consent of both the family elders. This ancient form of marriage still continues among the Soligas,” he adds. Talking about the marriage ritual, he said: ‘‘The marriage ritual is simple where betel leaves and tera (process of agreement) are exchanged between parents.’’
There are more than one lakh Soligas in Karnataka and they live largely in Chamarajnagar, Mysuru, Virajpet, Somwarpet, Muthathi in Mandya, Kanakpura, Kunigal in Tumakuru and Ramanagaram.
