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Can a Woman Marry Two Husbands?

Published in Marriage Legality 2 mins read

No, in most parts of the world, a woman cannot legally marry two husbands simultaneously. This practice, known as polyandry, is illegal in most countries.

Understanding Polyandry

While some cultures historically practiced polyandry, as evidenced by the reference to Polyandry in India, it remains a rare and often illegal marital structure globally. The reference highlights the historical and current existence of polyandry in specific regions of India, but this does not represent a global legal norm.

  • Legal Restrictions: The vast majority of legal systems worldwide recognize monogamy (one spouse) as the standard form of marriage. Attempts to establish polyandrous marriages would likely be considered legally invalid.
  • Cultural Variations: While polyandry existed historically in some places, including certain regions of India, its prevalence is significantly low in modern society. Cultural acceptance greatly varies.
  • Social Norms: Societal norms generally support monogamous relationships, shaping legal frameworks and societal expectations surrounding marriage.

The reference states that "Polyandry in India refers to the practice of polyandry, whereby a woman has two or more husbands at the same time, either historically on the Indian subcontinent or currently in the country of India." This specifies a limited geographical and cultural context where polyandry might have occurred or still occurs, underlining that it is not a universal practice and is not legally accepted in most countries.