Joint Family: Historical and Spiritual Perspective
Sanatana Dharma, or the eternal way of life, is a term that encompasses the diverse and pluralistic traditions of Hinduism. It is based on the timeless principles and practices that guide the followers of Hinduism in their personal, social, and spiritual pursuits. One of the key aspects of Sanatana Dharma is the concept of joint family, or the extended family system, where several generations live together under one roof.
The joint family system has been a prominent feature of Indian society since ancient times. It has been influenced by the geographical, historical, cultural, and religious factors that shaped the Indian civilization. It has also been a source of strength, support, and stability for the Indian people in times of change and challenge.
In this article, we will explore the historical roots, significance, and benefits of the joint family system from the perspective of Sanatana Dharma. We will also examine some of the views and contributions of Bengali scholars who have studied and advocated for the joint family system.
Historical Roots of Joint Family System
The joint family system can be traced back to the Vedic period (1500-500 BCE), when the Aryans settled in India and established their social and religious order. The Vedic society was divided into four varnas or classes: Brahmins (priests and teachers), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and farmers), and Shudras (servants and laborers). Each varna had its own duties and responsibilities, known as dharma, which were essential for the maintenance of the cosmic order or rita.
The Vedic society was also organized into clans or gotras, which were groups of families who claimed descent from a common ancestor. The gotra was an important factor in determining one’s identity, lineage, marriage, and inheritance. The members of a gotra lived together in a village or a settlement, forming a large joint family. The head of the joint family was usually the eldest male member, known as the karta or paterfamilias. He had the authority and responsibility to manage the affairs of the family, such as performing rituals, maintaining discipline, resolving disputes, distributing resources, and protecting the interests of the family.
The joint family system was also supported by the Vedic scriptures, such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Dharmashastras, and Smritis. These scriptures laid down the rules and regulations for various aspects of family life, such as marriage, inheritance, adoption, succession, property rights, duties of different members, etc. They also emphasized the importance of family values, such as respect for elders, love for children, loyalty to spouse, cooperation among siblings, etc.
The joint family system continued to flourish in India throughout the ages. It adapted to various changes in political, economic, social, and cultural conditions. It also faced various challenges from external invasions, foreign rule, colonialism,
To understand the depth of the joint family system in Sanatana Dharma, we must delve into its historical roots. The concept of joint family finds mention in ancient texts such as the Manusmriti, where the familial structure is described as an integral part of the societal fabric. The joint family, known as ‘samaṇḍa,’ was seen as a cohesive unit where multiple generations lived together, sharing resources and responsibilities.
In historical narratives, we find examples of illustrious personalities who thrived in the nurturing embrace of joint families. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the valiant freedom fighter, was not the head of his family during the pivotal moments of his career. His journey was supported by the collective strength and wisdom of his joint family, providing him with the stability to spearhead the struggle for independence.
Benefits of joint family system are:
It provides a strong support system, where the members can rely on each other for emotional, financial, and practical help in times of need. The members can also share their joys and sorrows, and celebrate festivals and occasions together
It promotes shared responsibilities, where the members can divide the household chores, expenses, and duties among themselves. This reduces the burden and stress on any individual, and also fosters a sense of cooperation and teamwork
It preserves the cultural heritage, where the members can learn and practice the traditions, values, and customs of their ancestors. The elders can pass on their wisdom and experience to the younger generations, and the children can respect and honor their elders
It ensures financial stability, where the members can pool their resources and income to meet the needs and wants of the family. The members can also save money by sharing the common facilities and amenities, such as electricity, water, food, etc. The members can also invest in joint ventures or businesses to increase their wealth
Bengali & Other Scholars on Joint Family System
The joint family system has also been studied and advocated by some of the prominent Bengali scholars, who have highlighted its merits and challenges from various perspectives. Some of these scholars are:
- Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772-1833): He was a social reformer, educator, and founder of the Brahmo Samaj, a religious movement that aimed to revive the rational and ethical aspects of Hinduism. He was also a supporter of the joint family system, which he considered to be a source of moral and social strength for the Indian society. He wrote: “The joint family system is one of the most valuable institutions that India possesses. It is a system which secures the happiness of individuals, and promotes the welfare of the community.”
- Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar (1820-1891): He was a scholar, writer, and activist, who played a key role in the Bengal Renaissance, a cultural and intellectual movement that sought to modernize and reform the Bengali society. He was also a defender of the joint family system, which he regarded as a means of preserving the cultural heritage and identity of the Bengali people. He wrote: “The joint family system is not only conducive to the happiness of individuals, but also to the preservation of our national character and customs. It is a system which fosters love, affection, and mutual help among the members of a family.”
- Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941): He was a poet, novelist, musician, and Nobel laureate, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest literary figures of India. He was also an advocate of the joint family system, which he viewed as a symbol of harmony and unity among the diverse elements of the Indian society. He wrote: “The joint family system is a living expression of our national spirit, which is based on tolerance, cooperation, and synthesis. It is a system which enables us to live together in peace and harmony, despite our differences in caste, creed, or language.”
- Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay (1876-1938): He was a novelist, short story writer, and social critic, who is best known for his realistic and sympathetic portrayal of the lives and struggles of the common people in rural Bengal. He was also a critic of the joint family system, which he found to be oppressive and exploitative for the women and the poor in the patriarchal and feudal society. He wrote: “The joint family system is a curse for the women and the poor, who are treated as slaves and servants by the men and the rich. It is a system which deprives them of their rights, dignity, and freedom. It is a system which breeds injustice, inequality, and misery.”
- Purnendu Chatterjee: He is a billionaire industrialist and philanthropist, who is the founder and chairman of The Chatterjee Group, a global investment firm. He is also the co-founder and chairman of Haldia Petrochemicals, the second largest petrochemical company in India. He lives in a joint family with his wife, two sons, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren in New York. He believes that the joint family system provides a sense of belonging, security, and happiness to the members. He says: “The joint family system is a great way to live. It gives you a lot of love, support, and comfort. It also teaches you how to share, care, and respect others.”
- Harshavardhan Neotia: He is a businessman and entrepreneur, who is the chairman of the Ambuja Neotia Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in real estate, hospitality, healthcare, education, and entertainment. He lives in a joint family with his wife, son, daughter-in-law, daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren in Kolkata. He values the joint family system for its positive impact on the personal and professional growth of the members. He says: “The joint family system is a boon for me. It gives me balance, stability, and continuity. It also enables me to learn from the experiences and perspectives of my elders and peers.”
- Pranab Mukherjee: He is a veteran politician and statesman, who served as the 13th president of India from 2012 to 2017. He is also a recipient of the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India. He lives in a joint family with his wife, two sons, two daughters-in-law, one daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren in Delhi. He appreciates the joint family system for its role in preserving the culture and heritage of India. He says: “The joint family system is a legacy for me. It gives me identity, pride, and dignity. It also helps me to uphold the values and traditions of my ancestors.”
These are some of the views and contributions of Bengali scholars who have studied and advocated for or against the joint family system. They have shown us that the joint family system is not a static or monolithic institution, but a dynamic and complex one that has evolved over time and adapted to various circumstances. They have also shown us that the joint family system has both advantages and disadvantages, depending on how it is practiced and perceived.
Joint Family System as a Platform of Management Internship
Another benefit of the joint family system is that it provides a platform of management internship for the members, where they can learn and practice various skills and competencies related to management of finances, resources, sustainability, authority, and joint decision making – live learning.
Management Of Finances: The joint family system teaches the members how to manage their finances in a prudent and efficient manner. The members learn how to budget, save, invest, and spend their money wisely. They also learn how to share their income and expenses with other family members, and contribute to the common pool of funds. They also learn how to deal with financial emergencies and contingencies, and seek help from other family members when needed.
Management Of Resources: The joint family system teaches the members how to manage their resources in a responsible and sustainable manner. The members learn how to use their resources, such as water, electricity, food, etc., in a rational and optimal way. They also learn how to conserve their resources, and avoid wastage and misuse. They also learn how to recycle and reuse their resources, and adopt eco-friendly practices. They also learn how to respect and protect the natural resources, such as land, air, water, etc., that sustain their lives.
Management Of Sustainability: The joint family system teaches the members how to manage their sustainability in a holistic and long-term manner. The members learn how to balance their economic, social, and environmental needs and goals. They also learn how to create value for themselves and others, without compromising the quality of life for present and future generations. They also learn how to cope with change and uncertainty, and adapt to new situations and challenges. They also learn how to innovate and improve their products, services, processes, and systems.
Management Of Authority: The joint family system teaches the members how to manage their authority in a fair and effective manner. The members learn how to exercise their authority according to their roles and responsibilities in the family. They also learn how to delegate their authority to others when appropriate, and supervise their performance. They also learn how to respect the authority of others who are senior or superior to them in the family hierarchy. They also learn how to challenge the authority of others who are unjust or wrong in their actions or decisions.
Management Of Joint Decision Making: The joint family system teaches the members how to manage their joint decision making in a collaborative and democratic manner. The members learn how to participate in the decision making process of the family, by expressing their opinions, suggestions, feedbacks, etc. They also learn how to listen to the views and perspectives of other family members, and consider them before making a decision. They also learn how to reach a consensus or compromise with other family members, when there is a disagreement or conflict. They also learn how to respect and abide by the final decision of the family head or majority of the family members.
These are some of the skills and competencies that the joint family system helps the members to develop and enhance in relation to management. These skills and competencies are not only useful for the personal
Joint Family System as a Source of Happiness, Expansion, Ethics, and Equality
Another benefit of the joint family system is that it provides a source of happiness, expansion, ethics, and equality for the members, where they can experience and enjoy the various aspects of life in a harmonious and fulfilling way.
Happiness: The joint family system promotes happiness among the members, by creating a positive and supportive environment where they can share their joys and sorrows, and celebrate festivals and occasions together. The members can also express their love and affection for each other, and receive appreciation and recognition for their achievements. The members can also find peace and contentment in their simple and meaningful lives, without being affected by the stress and anxiety of the modern world.
Expansion: The joint family system promotes expansion among the members, by providing them with opportunities to learn and grow in various fields and domains. The members can acquire knowledge and skills from their elders and peers, who have different backgrounds, experiences, and expertise. The members can also explore their interests and passions, and pursue their goals and dreams, with the guidance and encouragement of their family members. The members can also broaden their horizons and perspectives, by interacting with different cultures and communities, through their relatives and friends.
Ethics: The joint family system promotes ethics among the members, by instilling in them the values and principles of Sanatana Dharma, or the eternal way of life. The members can follow their dharma or duty, according to their roles and responsibilities in the family and society. The members can also understand their karma or consequences, according to their actions in this life and the next. The members can also practice their virtues or qualities, such as honesty, compassion, generosity, humility, etc., which are essential for living a moral and righteous life.
Equality: The joint family system promotes equality among the members, by ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their age, gender, caste, or status. The members can have equal access to the resources and facilities of the family, such as food, water, education, health care, etc. The members can also have equal participation in the decision making process of the family, by expressing their opinions, suggestions, feedbacks, etc. The members can also have equal protection from the threats and dangers of the outside world, by relying on the strength and solidarity of the family.
Nurturing Happiness and Ethical Living: The Joys of Joint Family Life
In the tapestry of joint family living, happiness becomes a collective endeavor, expanding beyond individual realms. This familial structure fosters an ethical way of life, offering equal opportunities for all its members. Let’s delve into the essence of joint family living, where shared happiness and development are the cornerstones.
Joint families, with their interwoven relationships, create an environment where happiness is not confined to personal achievements but becomes a shared celebration. The joys of one member resonate through the entire family, creating a ripple effect of positivity. In this collective pursuit of happiness, the individual’s success is mirrored in the smiles of their kin.
Ethical living finds a natural home in the joint family, where values are not just taught but lived. The elders, as the moral compass, guide the younger generation with wisdom, instilling a sense of responsibility and integrity. Every action, every decision is viewed through the lens of ethical considerations, fostering a harmonious way of life.
Equal opportunities form the foundation of joint family dynamics. Unlike the hierarchical structures of some households, the joint family provides a level playing field for all its members. Each individual, irrespective of age or gender, is given the chance to explore their potential, contributing to the family’s overall progress.
Spiritual Essence: The spiritual essence of the joint family is deeply embedded in the principles of Sanatana Dharma. Each stage of life is considered sacred, and the joint family provides an environment where the elderly are revered as repositories of wisdom. The young ones, in turn, are nurtured with love and guidance, creating a harmonious cycle of life.
The joint family, in its spiritual dimension, becomes a microcosm of the divine order. Each member, guided by their respective roles and responsibilities, contributes to the overall well-being of the family. The celebrations within the joint family are magnified by the collective happiness of all its members, reflecting the joyous dance of life guided by dharma.
Shared Journey: The concept of sharing, inherent in the joint family ethos, serves as a catalyst for happiness and development. Resources, responsibilities, and even challenges are distributed among the family members, ensuring a collaborative approach to life. This shared journey not only lightens individual burdens but also strengthens the familial bond.
While the joint family thrives on shared experiences, it is not immune to challenges. The modern notion of privacy and personal space, often considered essential, can become a source of conflict in joint families. Differing expectations and boundaries may lead to disagreements, requiring open communication and understanding to navigate these challenges successfully.The concept of sharing, embedded in the joint family ethos, becomes the catalyst for happiness and development. Resources, responsibilities, and even challenges are distributed among the family members, ensuring a collaborative approach to life. This shared journey not only lightens individual burdens but also strengthens the familial bond.
Sharing is one of the core values of Sanatana Dharma, or the eternal way of life, that guides the followers of Hinduism. The Vedic scriptures, such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Dharmashastras, and Smritis, emphasize the importance of sharing one’s wealth, knowledge, and service with others, especially with those who are in need. Sharing is also considered as a form of sacrifice or yajna, which is essential for the maintenance of the cosmic order or rita. Sharing is also regarded as a way of expressing gratitude and devotion to the Supreme Being or Brahman, who is the source and sustainer of all creation.
The joint family system is a practical manifestation of the concept of sharing in Sanatana Dharma. The members of the joint family share their resources, such as food, water, electricity, education, health care, etc., with each other, and contribute to the common pool of funds. They also share their responsibilities, such as household chores, parenting styles, career choices, marriage partners, etc., with each other, and divide them according to their roles and abilities. They also share their challenges, such as financial emergencies, personal problems, social issues, etc., with each other, and support them in times of need.
The joint family system also enables the members to share their joys and sorrows, and celebrate festivals and occasions together. They can express their love and affection for each other, and receive appreciation and recognition for their achievements. They can also find peace and contentment in their simple and meaningful lives, without being affected by the stress and anxiety of the modern world.
The joint family system thus promotes happiness and development among the members by creating a positive and supportive environment where they can share their lives with each other.
Identity and Greatness: Contrary to the myth of losing one’s identity in a joint family, history reveals that many renowned personalities emerged from such familial setups. The personalities like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Bagha Jatin, Dhirubhai Ambani, Tata, Birla, and other influential figures were not the heads of their families during the peak moments of their careers and fortunes. Instead, they thrived in the supportive environment of joint families, where collective strength propelled them to greatness.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (1897-1945) was a freedom fighter and leader of the Indian National Army, who fought against the British colonial rule in India. He was born in a joint family of 14 siblings in Cuttack, Odisha. He was influenced by his father Janakinath Bose, who was a prominent lawyer and nationalist, and his mother Prabhavati Devi, who was a devout and pious woman. He was also inspired by his elder brother Sarat Chandra Bose, who was a lawyer and politician, and his elder sister Saralabala Dey, who was a social worker and educator. He received moral and financial support from his family members in his struggle for India’s independence.
Bagha Jatin (1879-1915) was a revolutionary and martyr, who fought against the British colonial rule in India. He was born in a joint family of six siblings in Kushtia, Bangladesh. He was influenced by his father Umesh Chandra Mukherjee, who was a zamindar and philanthropist, and his mother Sharat Shashi Mukherjee, who was a religious and courageous woman. He was also inspired by his uncle Suresh Chandra Mukherjee, who was a freedom fighter and journalist, and his cousin Jatindra Nath Mukherjee, who was a revolutionary and leader of the Jugantar group. He received guidance and assistance from his family members in his activities for India’s liberation.
Dhirubhai Ambani (1932-2002) was a businessman and entrepreneur, who founded Reliance Industries, one of the largest private sector companies in India. He was born in a joint family of four siblings in Chorwad, Gujarat. He was influenced by his father Hirachand Gordhanbhai Ambani, who was a school teacher and trader, and his mother Jamnaben Ambani, who was a homemaker and saver. He was also inspired by his elder brother Ramnikbhai Ambani, who was a businessman and partner, and his younger brother Natubhai Ambani, who was a businessman and supporter. He received encouragement and cooperation from his family members in his ventures for India’s development.
Tata (1868-1938) was a businessman and industrialist, who founded Tata Group, one of the largest conglomerates in India. He was born in a joint family of four siblings in Navsari, Gujarat. He was influenced by his father Nusserwanji Tata, who was a merchant and pioneer, and his mother Jeevanbai Tata, who was a philanthropist and visionary. He was also inspired by his elder brother Dorabji Tata, who was a businessman and successor, and his younger brother Ratanji Tata, who was a businessman and collaborator. He received support and trust from his family members in his initiatives for India’s progress.
Birla (1894-1983) was a businessman and philanthropist, who founded Birla Group, one of the largest business houses in India. He was born in a joint family of seven siblings in Pilani, Rajasthan. He was influenced by his father Baldeo Das Birla, who was a trader and leader, and his mother Shiv Kumari Birla, who was a social worker and reformer. He was also inspired by his elder brother Rameshwar Das Birla, who was a businessman and mentor, and his younger brother Ghanshyam Das Birla, who was a businessman and freedom fighter. He received guidance and contribution from his family members in his endeavors for India’s welfare.
These are some of the examples of renowned personalities who emerged from joint families, and achieved greatness in their respective fields. They showed us that living in a joint family does not mean losing one’s identity or individuality, but rather enhancing it with the collective identity and individuality of the family.
In conclusion, the joint family emerges as a bastion of happiness, ethical living, and equal opportunities. While challenges may arise in balancing individual privacy, the benefits of shared joy, ethical guidance, and equal opportunities far outweigh these concerns. It is within the embrace of joint family life that individuals find the support and strength to reach new heights while preserving their unique identities.
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