Family, Marriage, Kinship, Religion and Social stratification in Himachal Pradesh

Family

The family, as a primary social institution in India has been undergoing change, both in its composition and structure. The family, as in many societies has been not only the center of socio-economic life, but also the primary source of social security and support for the members of the family. The increasing Urbanization, commercialization of the economy and the development of the Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE of the modern state have brought changes in the composition and structure of Indian family in the 20^th century. The last few decades have brought speedy and important changes in family relations. India’s fertility rate has fallen and life expectancy has increased. All of these changes are taking place in the context of increased urbanization and high standard of living, which is separating children from elders and contributing and bringing change in the composition and structure of family-based support system. The Present study is conducted in Bhota Town of District Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, India. This paper examines the impact of various contributing factors which bring changes in the composition, structure and practices in Indian family. If this trend continues then it will lead the disintegration in familial relations and adversely affect the caring Attitude of the family towards its members.

Himachal Pradesh is also known as ‘Dev Bhoomi’ came into existence as a distinct entity on 15 April 1948 with the merger of 30 erstwhile Punjab hilly states. The span of 63 years has taken big strides in the path of social-Economic Development. The Population of Himachal Pradesh is 68, 56,509 in which 34, 73,892 males and 33, 82,617 are female’s. Himachal comes second in Literacy rate with 83.78% after Kerala in India.

The age of marriageable individuals is also one of the important factors. Almost 52.00% families were in favor of marriage after 25 years whereas 40.00% was in favor of marriage between 21-25 years. Only 8.00% favored for marriage between 18-21 years. No one favored for marriage before age of 18. All the families were in favor of observing marriage rituals as per the old traditions. The majority of families i.e. 94.00%, accepted that financial exchange is common practice in marriages. Only remaining 6.00% were against financial exchange during marriage. Kashyap (2004) says Marriage in India is still a socio- religious institution that takes place between two families rather than two individuals. It is still arranged by parents and members of the kinship group with class, caste and religious positions. However the youth in India now wants to have a greater say in the choice of marriage partners and they do not mind their parents arranging their marriage as long as they have a say in it. In the present times, though the patterns of partner selection vary in terms of extent of choice given to the young man or woman, family approval is very essential for the marriage to take place. Among the urban educated youth, the traditional concept of marriage as a sacrament, a social obligation, and for the perpetuation of the lineage, is slowly being sidelined by the concept of marriage, for love, companionship and individual happiness.

Religion and social stratification

Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism is the major religion in Himachal Pradesh. More than 95% of the total population adheres to the Hindu faith, the distribution of which is evenly spread throughout the state. Himachal Pradesh has the highest proportion of Hindu population among all the states and union territories in India.

Other religions that form a small Percentage are Islam, Sikhism and Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism. Muslims are mainly concentrated in Sirmaur, Chamba, Una and Solan districts where they form 2.53-6.27% of the population. Sikhs mostly live in towns and cities and constitute 1.16% of the state population. The Buddhists, who constitute 1.15%, are mainly natives and tribals from Lahaul and Spiti, where they form a majority of 62%, and Kinnaur, where they form 21.5%.

Himachal Pradesh has a total population of 6,864,602 including 3,481,873 males and 3,382,729 females as per the final results of the Census Of India 2011. This is only 0.57 per cent of India’s total population, recording a Growth of 12.81 per cent.[5][82] The scheduled castes and scheduled tribes account for 25.19 per cent and 5.71 per cent of the population respectively.[84] The sex ratio stood at 972 females per 1000 males, recording a marginal increase from 968 in 2001.[85] The child sex ratio increased from 896 in 2001 to 909 in 2011.[85] The total fertility rate (TFR) per woman in 2015 stood at 1.7, one of the lowest in India.

In the census, the state is placed 21st on the population chart, followed by Tripura at 22nd place. Kangra district was top ranked with a population strength of 1,507,223 (21.98%), Mandi district 999,518 (14.58%), Shimla district 813,384 (11.86%), Solan district 576,670 (8.41%), Sirmaur district 530,164 (7.73%), Una district 521,057 (7.60%), Chamba district 518,844 (7.57%), Hamirpur district 454,293 (6.63%), Kullu district 437,474 (6.38%), Bilaspur district 382,056 (5.57%), Kinnaur district 84,298 (1.23%) and Lahaul Spiti 31,528 (0.46%).

The life expectancy at birth in Himachal Pradesh increased significantly from 52.6 years in the period from 1970-75 (above the national Average of 49.7 years) to 72.0 years for the period 2011-15 (above the national average of 68.3 years). The infant mortality rate stood at 40 in 2010, and the crude birth rate has declined from 37.3 in 1971 to 16.9 in 2010, below the national average of 26.5 in 1998. The crude death rate was 6.9 in 2010.[90] Himachal Pradesh’s literacy rate has almost doubled between 1981 and 2011 (see table to right). The state is one of the most literate states of India with a literacy rate of 83.78% as of 2011.

Himachal Pradesh is a state in India that is located in the Himalayas. The state has a population of over 7 million people and is home to a diverse range of cultures and religions.

Family

The family is the basic unit of Society in Himachal Pradesh. The most common type of family is the nuclear family, which consists of a husband, wife, and their children. However, joint families, which consist of two or more generations living together, are also common. Extended families, which include aunts, uncles, and grandparents, are less common but still exist.

Marriage

Marriage is a very important event in Himachal Pradesh. It is a social and religious ceremony that is usually celebrated with great pomp and circumstance. The most common type of marriage is monogamy, which is a union between one man and one woman. However, polygamy, which is a union between one man and multiple Women, is also practiced in some parts of the state. Polyandry, which is a union between one woman and multiple men, is very rare.

Kinship

Kinship is an important concept in Himachal Pradesh. Kinship refers to the relationships between people who are related by blood or marriage. Kinship ties are very strong in Himachal Pradesh and play an important role in social organization.

Religion

The majority of people in Himachal Pradesh are Hindu. However, there are also significant minorities of Buddhists, Sikhs, and Christians. Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world and is the dominant Religion in India. Hinduism is a polytheistic religion, which means that it has many gods and goddesses. The most important Hindu god is Vishnu, who is the preserver of the universe. Other important Hindu gods include Shiva, the destroyer of the universe, and Brahma, the creator of the universe.

Buddhism is a religion that was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, who is also known as the Buddha. Buddhism is a non-theistic religion, which means that it does not believe in a supreme god. Buddhism is based on the Four Noble Truths, which are:

Suffering exists.
Suffering is caused by attachment.
Suffering can be ended.
The way to end suffering is to follow the Eightfold Path.

The Eightfold Path is a set of eight steps that lead to enlightenment. The eight steps are:

Right understanding
Right thought
Right speech
Right action
Right livelihood
Right effort
Right mindfulness
Right concentration

Sikhism is a religion that was founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion, which means that it believes in one supreme god. The name “Sikh” means “disciple”. Sikhs believe in the Equality of all people and in the importance of living a simple life.

Christianity is a religion that was founded by Jesus Christ. Christianity is a monotheistic religion, which means that it believes in one supreme god. The name “Christian” means “follower of Christ”. Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that he died on the cross to save humanity from sin.

Social stratification

Social stratification is the system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy. In Himachal Pradesh, social stratification is based on caste, class, and social mobility.

Caste is a system of social stratification that is based on birth. In Himachal Pradesh, there are four main castes: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. Brahmins are the highest caste and are considered to be the priests and teachers of society. Kshatriyas are the warriors and rulers of society. Vaishyas are the merchants and traders of society. Shudras are the laborers and servants of society.

Class is a system of social stratification that is based on wealth, power, and prestige. In Himachal Pradesh, there are three main classes: upper class, middle class, and lower class. Upper class people are the wealthiest and most powerful people in society. Middle class people are the moderately wealthy and moderately powerful people in society. Lower class people are the poorest and least powerful people in society.

Social mobility is the ability of people to move up or down the social ladder. In Himachal Pradesh, social mobility is relatively limited. This is because the caste system is very rigid and it is difficult for people to change their caste. However, there is some social mobility in Himachal Pradesh, especially in the cities. This is because the Education system is relatively good and people can improve their social status by getting a good education.

Geography

What is the capital of Himachal Pradesh?
The capital of Himachal Pradesh is Shimla.
What is the largest city in Himachal Pradesh?
The largest city in Himachal Pradesh is Dharamshala.
What is the population of Himachal Pradesh?
The population of Himachal Pradesh is 8,749,000.
What is the area of Himachal Pradesh?
The area of Himachal Pradesh is 55,673 square kilometers.
What is the Climate-of-himachal-pradesh/”>Climate of Himachal Pradesh?
The climate of Himachal Pradesh is temperate.
What are the major rivers in Himachal Pradesh?
The major rivers in Himachal Pradesh are the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, and Chenab.
What are the major Mountains in Himachal Pradesh?
The major mountains in Himachal Pradesh are the Dhauladhar Range, Pir Panjal Range, and Zanskar Range.
What are the major forests in Himachal Pradesh?
The major forests in Himachal Pradesh are the Deodar Forest, Oak Forest, and Pine Forest.
What are the major wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh?
The major wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh are the Great Himalayan National Park, Pin Valley National Park, and Keoladeo National Park.

Economy

What is the main Source Of Income in Himachal Pradesh?
The main source of income in Himachal Pradesh is agriculture.
What are the major crops grown in Himachal Pradesh?
The major crops grown in Himachal Pradesh are rice, wheat, maize, and barley.
What are the major industries in Himachal Pradesh?
The major industries in Himachal Pradesh are tourism, hydropower, and agriculture.
What is the literacy rate in Himachal Pradesh?
The literacy rate in Himachal Pradesh is 82.8%.
What is the per capita income in Himachal Pradesh?
The per capita income in Himachal Pradesh is $2,000.

Culture

What is the Official Language of Himachal Pradesh?
The official language of Himachal Pradesh is Hindi.
What are the major religions in Himachal Pradesh?
The major religions in Himachal Pradesh are Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.
What are the major festivals in Himachal Pradesh?
The major festivals in Himachal Pradesh are Dussehra, Diwali, Holi, and Baisakhi.
What are the major Art Forms in Himachal Pradesh?
The major art forms in Himachal Pradesh are painting, sculpture, and music.
What are the major cuisines in Himachal Pradesh?
The major cuisines in Himachal Pradesh are Himachali cuisine, Tibetan cuisine, and Punjabi cuisine.

Tourism

What are the major tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh?
The major tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh are the Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, and Kullu Valley.
What are the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh?
The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh is from April to June and from September to November.
What are the must-do things in Himachal Pradesh?
The must-do things in Himachal Pradesh are trekking, hiking, camping, and sightseeing.
What are the best places to stay in Himachal Pradesh?
The best places to stay in Himachal Pradesh are hotels, resorts, and homestays.
What are the best places to eat in Himachal Pradesh?
The best places to eat in Himachal Pradesh are restaurants, cafes, and dhabas.

Transportation

How to get to Himachal Pradesh?
You can get to Himachal Pradesh by air, rail, or road.
What are the major Airports in Himachal Pradesh?
The major airports in Himachal Pradesh are the Gaggal Airport and the Kullu-Manali Airport.
What are the major railway stations in Himachal Pradesh?
The major railway stations in Himachal Pradesh are the Shimla Railway Station and the Kalka Railway Station.
What are the major highways in Himachal Pradesh?
The major highways in Himachal Pradesh are the National Highway 5, the National Highway 15, and the National Highway 22.
What are the best ways to get around in Himachal Pradesh?
The best ways to get around in Himachal Pradesh are by car, bus, or taxi.

Which of the following is not a state in India?
(A) Himachal Pradesh
(B) Uttar Pradesh
(C) Madhya Pradesh
(D) Jammu and Kashmir
The capital of Himachal Pradesh is:
(A) Shimla
(B) Dharamshala
(C) Manali
(D) Kullu
The official language of Himachal Pradesh is:
(A) Hindi
(B) English
(C) Punjabi
(D) Pahari
The population of Himachal Pradesh is:
(A) 6.8 million
(B) 7.2 million
(C) 7.6 million
(D) 8 million
The literacy rate of Himachal Pradesh is:
(A) 82%
(B) 84%
(C) 86%
(D) 88%
The main religion of Himachal Pradesh is:
(A) Hinduism
(B) Islam
(C) Christianity
(D) Sikhism
The main crops of Himachal Pradesh are:
(A) Rice
(B) Wheat
(C) Maize
(D) Apples
The main industries of Himachal Pradesh are:
(A) Tourism
(B) Agriculture
(C) Mining
(D) Manufacturing
The main tourist attractions of Himachal Pradesh are:
(A) The Great Himalayan National Park
(B) The Solang Valley
(C) The Shimla Hills
(D) All of the above
The famous cricketer Yuvraj Singh is from:
(A) Himachal Pradesh
(B) Punjab
(C) Haryana
(D) Rajasthan