The term ''gharjamai'', in
Hindi
Modern Standard Hindi (, ), commonly referred to as Hindi, is the Standard language, standardised variety of the Hindustani language written in the Devanagari script. It is an official language of India, official language of the Government ...
, refers to a resident son-in-law who lives in a house of his wife's family.
Etymology
The word ''Gharjamai'' is a compound of two words : ''Ghar'' and ''Jamai''. The word ''Ghar'' is derived from
Sanskrit
Sanskrit (; stem form ; nominal singular , ,) is a classical language belonging to the Indo-Aryan languages, Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European languages. It arose in northwest South Asia after its predecessor languages had Trans-cultural ...
word ''Gr̥ha'' (गृह) meaning house and ''Jamai'' is derived from Sanskrit word ''jāmātr̥'' (जामातृ) meaning son in law. Thus ''Gharjamai'' refers to resident son in law.
Definition
A man who lives in a house of his wife is known as Gharjamai. He usually lives with his wife's family or depends on his wife's family for support.
The term carries a
social stigma
Stigma, originally referring to the visible marking of people considered inferior, has evolved to mean a negative perception or sense of disapproval that a society places on a group or individual based on certain characteristics such as their ...
, as husband is traditionally considered responsible for running the household and depending on the wife's family for support is held in a negative view. In more modern usage, the overall financial position of the son-in-law is considered and taken into account when using this label; if, for example, the son-in-law possesses land or other property, he is not considered a Gharjamai. Varying definitions exist, however. Films and TV serials both with a serious and light hearted view have been made about this phenomenon.
In popular culture
Movies
TV Series
Books
References
{{reflist
Marriage in India
Marriage, unions and partnerships in Pakistan