While the scriptures strictly forbid cousin marriages, historical records indicate that such marriages did occur within Brahmin communities in South India, even in ancient times. I'm curious to know how common cousin marriages were among generations born between the late 1800s and the early 1950s. For context, none of my grandparents were cousins. Older members of this site may be better positioned to shed light on this.
How Common Were Cousin Marriages in Earlier Generations?
- Thread starter Vaitahavya
- Start date
prasad1
Active member
What the Data Suggests
1. High Prevalence in South India
In regions like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, consanguineous marriages (including cousins and uncle–niece) were especially common. Around 30% of marriages in these states involved close relatives, according to historical data and surveys
For example, first-cousin and uncle–niece unions together accounted for around 30% of marriages in Andhra Pradesh in the late 1960s, though this proportion was declining by the 2015–16 National Family Health Survey
2. Variation by State—Kerala Exception
Kerala consistently showed much lower rates of such practices. For example, NFHS results show just 3–4% prevalence in Kerala, in stark contrast to 22–30% in other southern states
Experts note that Kerala’s cultural and matrilineal traditions likely contributed to this pattern
3. Brahmin Communities—Some Evidence of Practice
Studies from Mangalore in 2012 find that among Hindu Brahmins, the consanguinity rate was about 9.5%, with close to half of those involving first cousins.
General studies also suggest that cross‑cousin marriages (like mother’s brother’s daughter) and even uncle–niece unions were allowed—or at least tolerated—in some Dravidian/Hindu communities, including Brahmins in parts of South India .
Anecdotes from communities also suggest that cross‑cousin marriages may have existed even among Tamil Brahmins, although by the mid‑1970s, such practices were already declining
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Summary Overview
Community / Region Time Period Estimated Rate of Cousin/Consanguineous Marriages
Tamil Nadu / AP / Karnataka • Late 1800s – mid 1900s
• 1960s–2015 ~30% of marriages
Kerala Same periods Low (~3–4%)
Brahmin (Tamil/Brahmin general) Mid‑20th century Some cross-cousin marriages; practice declining by ~1970s
Interpretation & Context
Overall regional trends suggest cousin marriages were quite common (c. 30%) in many South Indian communities during the early to mid‑20th century—but these figures vary widely by caste, subregion, and community.
In Brahmin communities, especially in urban or elite groups, the prevalence appears lower—perhaps under 10% in some areas, but still higher than among many North Indian groups.
Social shifts—including education, urbanization, changes in occupation (e.g., agriculture to industry or service), and legal reforms—contributed to a decline in such practices by the mid‑20th century
In short: it wasn't unheard of for Brahmins in some South Indian areas to have cousin marriages during that period.
Disclosures: My research used various internet resources.
1. High Prevalence in South India
In regions like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, consanguineous marriages (including cousins and uncle–niece) were especially common. Around 30% of marriages in these states involved close relatives, according to historical data and surveys
For example, first-cousin and uncle–niece unions together accounted for around 30% of marriages in Andhra Pradesh in the late 1960s, though this proportion was declining by the 2015–16 National Family Health Survey
2. Variation by State—Kerala Exception
Kerala consistently showed much lower rates of such practices. For example, NFHS results show just 3–4% prevalence in Kerala, in stark contrast to 22–30% in other southern states
Experts note that Kerala’s cultural and matrilineal traditions likely contributed to this pattern
3. Brahmin Communities—Some Evidence of Practice
Studies from Mangalore in 2012 find that among Hindu Brahmins, the consanguinity rate was about 9.5%, with close to half of those involving first cousins.
General studies also suggest that cross‑cousin marriages (like mother’s brother’s daughter) and even uncle–niece unions were allowed—or at least tolerated—in some Dravidian/Hindu communities, including Brahmins in parts of South India .
Anecdotes from communities also suggest that cross‑cousin marriages may have existed even among Tamil Brahmins, although by the mid‑1970s, such practices were already declining
.
Summary Overview
Community / Region Time Period Estimated Rate of Cousin/Consanguineous Marriages
Tamil Nadu / AP / Karnataka • Late 1800s – mid 1900s
• 1960s–2015 ~30% of marriages
Kerala Same periods Low (~3–4%)
Brahmin (Tamil/Brahmin general) Mid‑20th century Some cross-cousin marriages; practice declining by ~1970s
Interpretation & Context
Overall regional trends suggest cousin marriages were quite common (c. 30%) in many South Indian communities during the early to mid‑20th century—but these figures vary widely by caste, subregion, and community.
In Brahmin communities, especially in urban or elite groups, the prevalence appears lower—perhaps under 10% in some areas, but still higher than among many North Indian groups.
Social shifts—including education, urbanization, changes in occupation (e.g., agriculture to industry or service), and legal reforms—contributed to a decline in such practices by the mid‑20th century
In short: it wasn't unheard of for Brahmins in some South Indian areas to have cousin marriages during that period.
Disclosures: My research used various internet resources.
prasad1
Active member
Twenty-two countries around the world have not criminalized incest. Portuguese law, for example, does not criminalize incest. Additionally, no laws prohibit consenting relatives from having sexual relations in France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Incest is also legal in Argentina, Brazil, India, the Ivory Coast, Japan, Latvia, South Korea, Thailand, and Turkey.
worldpopulationreview.com
Cousin marriage is a common practice in India, influenced by cultural, religious, and social factors.
Cultural Acceptance
Cousin marriages are widely accepted in many communities across India, particularly among certain ethnic and religious groups. For example, in some Muslim and Hindu communities, marrying a cousin is seen as a way to strengthen family ties and maintain wealth within the family.
Legal Status
Cousin marriage is legal in India, although the acceptance varies by region and community. Some states have specific laws regarding marriage between cousins, but generally, first cousin marriages are permitted.
Health Considerations
There are health concerns associated with cousin marriages, particularly regarding genetic disorders. Studies suggest that the risk of congenital disabilities may increase, but this varies based on the degree of relatedness and other factors.
Social Dynamics
In many cases, cousin marriages are preferred as they can help preserve family honor and ensure compatibility. However, there is also a growing trend towards marrying outside of the extended family, influenced by modernization and changing social norms.
In your OP you said:
"While the scriptures strictly forbid cousin marriages"
Can you site any scripture to support your claim?
Countries Where Incest Is Legal 2025
Discover population, economy, health, and more with the most comprehensive global statistics at your fingertips.
Cousin marriage is a common practice in India, influenced by cultural, religious, and social factors.
Cultural Acceptance
Cousin marriages are widely accepted in many communities across India, particularly among certain ethnic and religious groups. For example, in some Muslim and Hindu communities, marrying a cousin is seen as a way to strengthen family ties and maintain wealth within the family.
Legal Status
Cousin marriage is legal in India, although the acceptance varies by region and community. Some states have specific laws regarding marriage between cousins, but generally, first cousin marriages are permitted.
Health Considerations
There are health concerns associated with cousin marriages, particularly regarding genetic disorders. Studies suggest that the risk of congenital disabilities may increase, but this varies based on the degree of relatedness and other factors.
Social Dynamics
In many cases, cousin marriages are preferred as they can help preserve family honor and ensure compatibility. However, there is also a growing trend towards marrying outside of the extended family, influenced by modernization and changing social norms.
In your OP you said:
"While the scriptures strictly forbid cousin marriages"
Can you site any scripture to support your claim?
This is a ChatGPT generated response. I am asking for anecdotal evidence from older Brahmin members. If you have nothing to share, then don't.
Please refer to the Manu Smriti and the Gautama Dharmasutra. A girl cannot be married to a boy if:Twenty-two countries around the world have not criminalized incest. Portuguese law, for example, does not criminalize incest. Additionally, no laws prohibit consenting relatives from having sexual relations in France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Incest is also legal in Argentina, Brazil, India, the Ivory Coast, Japan, Latvia, South Korea, Thailand, and Turkey.
Countries Where Incest Is Legal 2025
Discover population, economy, health, and more with the most comprehensive global statistics at your fingertips.
Cousin marriage is a common practice in India, influenced by cultural, religious, and social factors.
Cultural Acceptance
Cousin marriages are widely accepted in many communities across India, particularly among certain ethnic and religious groups. For example, in some Muslim and Hindu communities, marrying a cousin is seen as a way to strengthen family ties and maintain wealth within the family.
Legal Status
Cousin marriage is legal in India, although the acceptance varies by region and community. Some states have specific laws regarding marriage between cousins, but generally, first cousin marriages are permitted.
Health Considerations
There are health concerns associated with cousin marriages, particularly regarding genetic disorders. Studies suggest that the risk of congenital disabilities may increase, but this varies based on the degree of relatedness and other factors.
Social Dynamics
In many cases, cousin marriages are preferred as they can help preserve family honor and ensure compatibility. However, there is also a growing trend towards marrying outside of the extended family, influenced by modernization and changing social norms.
In your OP you said:
"While the scriptures strictly forbid cousin marriages"
Can you site any scripture to support your claim?
1. She is of the same gotra as the boy.
2. She is a sapinda on the mother's side upto three (or five generations) as per Gautama Dharmasutras
3. If she is a sapinda on the father's side upto seven generations.
Simply put, consider the girl that is being married to the boy. The girl's father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather and great-great-great-grandfather should not be an ancestor of the boy. The girl's mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother should not be an ancestor of the boy.
Please find the link here. Manu on marriageable girls
Lotusinsanskrit
Active member
I agree to the OP earlier generation married cousins on either side. The facts are due to ignorance or situation warranted that mostly father died at an early age and the whole family that is mother with children returned to mother home and there the uncles either they married themselves or their wards married.
I have known many of my earlier generation married either first cousins or even second cousins or uncles for the reasons mentioned above. But the health of their children mostly deteriorated. So after those generations say those who born after 60s stopped saying the above reason itself and people even felt bad that the girls refused to marry and the pity is those boys are left single and that made the girls to feel guilty when they now turned above 60. That is also there in our family.
The cousin/uncle marriage happened in our family is atleast 20 as per my knowledge.
I have known many of my earlier generation married either first cousins or even second cousins or uncles for the reasons mentioned above. But the health of their children mostly deteriorated. So after those generations say those who born after 60s stopped saying the above reason itself and people even felt bad that the girls refused to marry and the pity is those boys are left single and that made the girls to feel guilty when they now turned above 60. That is also there in our family.
The cousin/uncle marriage happened in our family is atleast 20 as per my knowledge.
prasad1
Active member
Do you live by Manu Smriti?
Society lives by today's norms.
We have discussed multiple times on this site that Gothra has no justification. If it was hereditary then we cannot have people of different caste having same gothra. People have misunderstood Gothra. because of giving importance to the misunderstanding mothers side cousins and uncle marriage was permitted in south India. That type of marriage is taboo in North India,
prasad1
Active member
Just because a different position is posted, you do not have to attack the poster. If you are not open to debate, please refrain from posting in public forum.
If you believe in Flat-Earth theory so, be it. But if you post in public forum there will be push-backs.
Lotusinsanskrit
Active member
I have come across this and thought of sharing it
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