Pakistan Association of Anthropology, Islamabad, Pakistan Special issue Sci.int.(Lahore),27(2),1603-1605,2015 ISSN 1013-5316; CODEN: SINTE 8 1603 March-April ENDOGAMY AND MARITAL ALLIANCES: ANTHROPOLOGY OF INDIGENOUS MARRIAGE PATTERNS Hina Saleem, Abid Ghafoor Chaudhry*, Muhammad Riaz Department of Anthropology, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi *Corresponding Author Email:abidgc@uaar.edu.pk ABSTRACT: Endogamy is one of the attributes of traditional societies in which preference is given to marry within caste, social class and kin group as it is thought to be the mode of creating bonds and alliances in families. The research was conducted to study the females’ perception and preference regarding endogamous marriages and to analyze the role of endogamous marriages in strengthening the marital alliances. The data were collected from 100 female respondents from a Public University in Rawalpindi City by adopting qualitative research technique and semi structured questionnaire. It has been found through this study that 61% of female respondents prefer to practice endogamy. During the study it was also revealed that endogamous marriages were less effective in strengthening the marital alliances. Due to the Social change contracted by Pakistani society endogamous marriages were being diminished due to social changes that seem to appear. Keywords: Endogamy, Marital Alliances, Caste, Kin group, Social class INTRODUCTION Marriage is one of the important social institutions which prevails in almost every society. The concept of family is dependent upon marriage. Marriage is a bond between a female and a male who start living together, having sexual, social and cultural intimacy and share livelihood to live a life. “Anthropologically marriage is a group of two or more people related by blood, marriage or adoption.” [1].Marriage is the institution in which different marriage patterns are practiced of which endogamy is one of them. Endogamy is one of the most prevailing marriage patterns in the world. The word endogamy is originated from the two Greek words „endon‟ which means within and „gamous‟ means marriage, so endogamous means marriage within one‟s own caste, social or ethnic group, religion and sect. Endogamous marriage is also called inter marriages. “In Anthropology endogamy basically refers to a marriage systems in which custom requires a person to marry within a prescribed local, social or kinship group” [2]. The roots of Endogamy can be traced from Mesopotamian time. In the Neo Babylonian period the consanguineous endogamy in Mesopotamia can be seen [2], so endogamy is included in one of the indigenous and ancient marriage pattern. Endogamous marriages are common among South Asian countries specially India, Bangladesh and Pakistan[3]. These countries are basically family oriented countries in which endogamous marriages strengthen the family and marital alliances. In anthropology the terms endogamy and exogamy was introduced byJohn Ferguson McLennan[4]. Endogamous marriages are practiced in Pakistan specifically on the basis of social groups and castes. “Caste basically refers to a social class separated from others by distinctions of hereditary rank, profession, or wealth “[3]. The status ofpeople in caste group is ascribed in its nature. Some Endogamous marriages are basically performed within own caste group as it protects the purity of blood [5]. Caste based endogamous marriages are common in “Syed Caste” in sub- continent which draw its lineage from Prophet (P.B.U.H).They are prohibited to marry outside their caste group due to the fear of impurity in their blood. In the province of Punjab the village children learn caste based endogamy since their childhood socialization[6]. Endogamy by social class is also performed in our society in which individuals decided to marry within their same class. The social endogamy is also called social homogamy [7]. People prefer to practice endogamous marriages because it maintains social ties. The intimate relationship is also maintained through practicing endogamous marriages beside sense of identity. People prefer to marry within their caste and family because they are familiar with their customs, traditions, family values and backgrounds. Mostly in traditional societies through endogamy people secure and grasp the property within their same class group which also give financial surety for their children. Marriage with the people, belonging to the same kin group helps in strengthening and solidifying the relationship between social groups[3].The endogamous marriage within family, caste and social group maintain the group identity and social cohesion. Endogamous marriages strengthen the marital alliances and maintain identity associated with it. Endogamous marriage is the only way in which generations recognize their fore fathers and shared and transfer their identity to the coming generations [8]. Marriage outside the kin group, caste and social class is thread to the social solidarity and identity of group cohesion. The decision of mate selection is in the hands of parents in endogamous marriage patterns. Mostly parents prefer to get married their daughters within their own caste, social class and family because they are familiar with their group norms, values and family backgrounds. They think that this will `strengthen the marital alliance and bring close bonds and group solidarity. The decision of marital partner is in the hands of parents [9] due to which females are also forced to marry within their own caste, kin and social group for the sake of land, property, honor and social identity. Endogamy is also practiced because females never get a suitable proposal from outside kin and caste group so parents are forced to get their daughters married within their own caste, kin group and family. The endogamous marriages are practiced to secure the honors of marital alliances as they are built when family of