Abstract
The practice of child marriage in the Nyishi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh is a multifaceted issue that requires a nuanced understanding of the tribe’s cultural norm. It is fervently following the tradition of child marriage, even in modern time, which in turned presents an unimagined challenge especially to the girl child in the society. The continuity of this practice is backed by the Customary Laws in asserting their inherent rights, considering that it allows to balance cultural preservation with the advancement of individual rights and societal progress. Child marriage among the Nyishi involves the union of individuals below the legally recognized age of marriage, under the Indian constitution, which is 18 years for women and 21 years for men. It is a reflection of deep-rooted cultural values and their historical approach to community building and kinship networks. However, it also raises critical questions about the practice of child marriage, and its impact on the physical and psychological well-being of the individuals involved. Thus, the paper attempts to understand the broad issues such as traditional practice, implications, and the way forward to resolves this problem. In this regard, an empirical method is applied and interviews are conducted to those who have suffered and are traumatized by this practices.
Keywords: Arunachal Pradesh, Child Marriage, Culture, Nyishi.