Pre-Colonial Himachal Society: Social Evils and Forced Labour Practices
By M.S. Ahuluwalia
Summary
This article examines social practices in pre-colonial Himachal Pradesh, focusing on systems like begar (forced labor), polyandry, polygamy, purdah, female infanticide, and human sacrifice (bhoonda and kahika). The begar system involved unpaid labor for rulers or landlords, evolving through phases tied to land ownership, topography, and economic needs. Types included Athwara (personal labor for firewood/grass), Batrawal (public works), and Jaddi-Baddi (ceremonial labor). These practices burdened hill communities, often leading to resistance and eventual reforms under British influence. Polyandry, prevalent in border regions, involved multiple brothers sharing a wife to maintain land unity and combat poverty, with inheritance favoring the eldest brother. Polygamy was common among elites. Social stratification and exploitation were evident, with lower classes like Kolis enduring severe conditions. The study highlights how these customs, rooted in historical and economic contexts, persisted despite gradual resistance and colonial-era reforms.
Conclusion
This document highlights the oppressive social practices prevalent in pre-colonial Himachal Pradesh, particularly focusing on the exploitative *begar* system and harmful customs like polyandry and polygamy. The *begar* system, involving forced unpaid labor for rulers and landlords, was deeply entrenched, with various forms like *Athwara*, *Batrawal*, and *Beth* systems exacerbating social inequality. These practices burdened marginalized communities, stifled economic progress, and fueled unrest, leading to rebellions in regions like Kuthar and Theog. The British eventually introduced reforms, abolishing *begar* by 1946. Similarly, polyandry and polygamy, rooted in socio-economic pressures and traditions, persisted in tribal areas but gradually declined due to rising awareness. The document underscores the need for historical reflection to address such systemic injustices and their lingering impacts on marginalized communities in the region.