Cohabitation and Custom: Rethinking Intimacy in Jawadhu Hills

Objective: This study examines customary premarital cohabitation among the Malayalee tribal community of the Jawadhu Hills in Tamil Nadu, India. It explores how indigenous relationship practices challenge dominant understandings of marriage, foster social bonding, and reflect resilience in kinship structures amid changing legal frameworks and increasing exposure to globalisation. Material and Methods: The study adopts a qualitative, case-study-oriented approach, employing narrative analysis of in-depth interviews with approximately 20 tribal community members. The interviews explore participants’ lived experiences, cultural practices, and community perspectives on premarital cohabitation. Relational engagement and respect for indigenous traditions informed the research process, while thematic analysis was used to identify recurring patterns and interpret participants’ narratives. Results: The findings indicate that premarital cohabitation is a community-recognised practice embedded in the cultural traditions of the Malayalee tribal communities. It is associated with social bonding, kinship formation, familial alliances, resource-sharing, and conflict resolution through the elders’ council. However, increasing external scrutiny, particularly concerning relationships involving minors, has contributed to greater secrecy and tension between customary practices and state law. Conclusion: The findings highlight the complex relationship between indigenous cultural autonomy, customary practices, and formal legal frameworks. Community-based mechanisms may contribute to social cohesion and local dispute resolution, while external scrutiny can generate mistrust and uncertainty. These dynamics underscore the importance of understanding tribal relationship practices within their historical and sociocultural contexts, while recognising the need to uphold individual rights, child protection, and applicable legal safeguards. The study highlights the importance of culturally sensitive engagement that recognises indigenous traditions while upholding legal protections and individual rights. Constructive dialogue between tribal communities, state institutions, and service providers may help reduce tensions and address vulnerabilities without stereotyping indigenous practices. By examining premarital cohabitation within its specific cultural context, the study contributes to historical and sociological understandings of marriage, intimacy, kinship, and social resilience among India’s Scheduled Tribes.