The scarcity of living water has led many men in western India to take more wives to get water for their family's needs.
The life of "country wives" in India
Demand for drinking water is a big problem in Denganmal village, 140 km from Mumbai.The only source of water for all residents is two wells located several kilometers from the village.In response to this problem, many men living in Denganmal choose to take more wives to get more people to get water for family use.
Mr. Sakharam Bhagat, a resident of the village, has 3 wives, 2 of whom specialize in cooking and drinking water for the family."I need someone to get water for the whole family. I get married just for that purpose. My first wife is too busy with her children while the second wife is always weak, forcing me to take a third person."
Denganmal village was built on barren land, with about 100 cottages.Men often have to work hard to support their families.They cannot undertake housework like taking a wife's wife.Although polygamy is unjust in India, the "water wife" is very popular in Denganmal village.
Most of those who are wives of the country are widows or those who cannot find a husband.Meanwhile, men who always need help because "it will be very difficult for a large family without water".
The women themselves live in the "country wife" also feel happy with her husband's life."We live together as sisters in the house. This person is willing to help others. Sometimes, we also disagree but all problems are resolved quickly," Tuki, a "wife of water" divided. share.
The first wife is usually the only one allowed to give birth.The "country wife" must clean the house, cook and go to get water every day.
They have to take care of a large family even if the children are not born by them.
Metal barrels, water-grabbing tools for women.
They put them on their heads to move easily on long distances.
Women who share the same "wife's country" help each other.
Big wells are the place to supply water for the whole village.Usually, they are very far from where families live.
The pots are filled with water to save travel.
Water is poured into containers in families.Due to limited strength, the amount of water the women get is only enough for a family to use for 1 day.Their work will repeat the next day.
