In Rajasthan’s Ramdeyo ki Basti, Men Marry Two Wives Who Live Together in Harmony

RAMDEYO KI BASTI, Rajasthan — In a remote village in India, a unique custom persists where men marry two wives, and all three live together peacefully under the same roof. Situated in the heart of Rajasthan’s desert, Ramdeyo ki Basti is home to a tradition that challenges typical societal norms, with little to no conflict between the wives.

While polygamy often leads to tension in many places, the people of Ramdeyo ki Basti seem to defy this trend. Here, men have two wives who live together like sisters rather than rivals, fostering a harmonious household.

The Origin of the Tradition

This unusual practice has its roots in ancient beliefs and superstitions. The villagers believe that if a man marries only once, he will either have no children or only daughters. To ensure the birth of a son, they say, a man must marry a second wife. The belief in having a male heir drives many men in the village to embrace this tradition.

Despite the practice being passed down through generations, it has attracted curiosity and raised eyebrows. The village’s residents, however, maintain that both wives live together in peace, with no quarrels or jealousy between them. They treat each other like siblings, sharing household responsibilities and supporting their husband.

Changing Attitudes Among the Younger Generation

Interestingly, younger men in the village are distancing themselves from this age-old tradition. As modernization and education spread, the younger generation is moving away from the belief that having two wives guarantees the birth of a son. Many no longer give much importance to the practice, seeing it as outdated in a rapidly modernizing society.

A report suggests that the village’s youth are increasingly rejecting this custom, focusing more on individual choice and modern values rather than ancient traditions. As India evolves, so too does Ramdeyo ki Basti, with its residents beginning to leave behind some of the more unusual customs that have shaped the village’s history.

This shift reflects broader changes happening across the country, as old traditions gradually give way to new ways of thinking in the face of modernization.