Assam Polygamy Ban: How many people do polygamy in Assam, read here which state of the country has the highest prevalence of this practice | Life

According to the National Family Health Survey-5 of 2019-21, the prevalence of polygamy in Assam was recorded at 2.4%. This is significantly higher than the national average of 1.4%. Within the state, this pattern has varied among different communities. In Assam, the practice is prevalent at 1.8% among Hindu women, while it reaches 3.6% among Muslim women.

While Assam’s number appears to be higher, Meghalaya has the highest rate of polygamy. According to data from National Family Health Survey-5, 6.01% women live in polygamous households. Overall, the practice is much more prevalent in the Northeast region than the rest of India. The rate is 4.01% in Mizoram, 3.9% in Sikkim and 3.7% in Arunachal Pradesh. These rates are significantly higher than the national average. This practice is associated with common tribal cultural practices in these states, especially in Scheduled Tribe communities. Polygamy was also part of some traditional social systems there.

A major reason for the high prevalence of polygamy in Northeast India is the tribal demographic structure. Many tribal customs previously recognized polygamy for social, economic or family reasons. Although modern legal frameworks have reduced this practice considerably, this ancient tradition still persists in some areas.