Khaps in Haryana, Gender and Honour: A Field Study

Abstract

In the past, harmonious relations existed between villages and neighbouring localities largely because of the regulatory function of khaps, a community organisation representing a clan or a group of related clans, found mostly in northern India, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The members of these khaps have always wielded enormous economic, social and political power. Made up of comparatively rich and elderly men, their orthodox views have found place in their regressive diktats. Day-to-day issues and problems are referred to these elected bodies which give their rulings. The present study looks at why progressive and modern ideologies are still being successfully resisted by such communities despite an effort being made in this direction. The study also explores elements of continuity and change seen within khaps. Based on extensive fieldwork, which includes in-depth interviews, along with Focussed Group Discussions conducted in 20 villages in the so-called khap belt of Haryana, the article seeks to understand the mindset of the members of khaps and the society they represent and how patriarchal thinking is still accepted and considered relevant in twenty-first century India.