The Tree of Humans: Patriarchy and Other Family Systems-(2)

………...(After Ants, Termites and Animal Species….  family bonding among Humans is the most significant…)

Human Societies:  Like the animal societies, early human societies were small, close-knit groups primarily
organized around kinship and survival. These societies, often referred to as hunter-gatherer communities, relied on foraging, hunting, and fishing to meet their basic needs. Social structures were generally utilitarian, totalitarian, dynamic and flexible with roles and responsibilities based on age, gender, ability and capability rather than rigid hierarchies.
Cooperation and collective decision-making were vital for survival, as members worked together to find food, protect against predators, and care for the young, old and sick. The concept of a group was more dominating than the concept of a family (like a nuclear family).
Over time, as humans developed tools, mastered fire, and began to domesticate plants and animals, some groups transitioned to settled agricultural lifestyles and individual families  started looking after their assets and affairs while interacting with larger social organisations such as a village or a township. The primary reasons for breaking up into smaller family units from a larger group were probably self-interest, competition, and an idea to be fair and
transparent in one’s dealings. Two main types of such family systems were in vogue depending on the leader of the family.
Patriarchy is a family system where the father, holds primary responsibility and authority over family decisions, property, and societal roles. The term “patriarchy” itself comes from the Greek words “pater” (father) and “archē” (rule), indicating the rule of the father. In patriarchal societies, males dominate the public (political and economic) and usually the private (family) spheres. This system has been prevalent throughout history and continues to influence contemporary society. Understanding patriarchy is crucial for addressing gender inequalities
and promoting social justice2  Matriarchy is a family system where mothers hold primary responsibility and authority.
Matriarchal societies are far less common but there are historical examples of matriarchal or matrilineal societies. In matrilineal societies, property and family names are passed down through the mother’s side. This structure was often seen in societies where women’s roles in earning a livelihood, child-rearing, and community life were central. Matrilineal descent systems, for example, were present in North East India and some Native American tribes, such
as the Iroquois Confederacy, where clan membership and leadership were passed through the mother’s line. The concept of matriarchy was popularized by Swiss anthropologist Johann Jakob Bachofen in his 1861 book “Mother Right: An Investigation of the Religious and Juridical Character of Matriarchy in the Ancient World,” which argued that matriarchy preceded patriarchy and was the source of human society, religion, and morality.
Many matriarchal societies held beliefs that emphasized the sacredness of femininity and the power of female deities. These cultural values supported the prominence of women in leadership and decision-making roles.
There are various other family systems that have been or are practised around the world, each shaped by specific cultural, economic and historical factors. In some societies, polygamy (marriage to multiple spouses) is practised. Polygyny was historically common in many societies in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, often linked to agricultural wealth, where wealthier men could afford to support multiple wives. Polyandry has been practised in societies
like the Tibetan plateau and some regions of Nepal. It is typically a response to scarce resources or land inheritance, where multiple brothers might marry a single woman to keep property within the family. In some Indigenous societies, extended family or communal living arrangements are the norm. For example, many Indigenous cultures in North America and Africa had extended kinship networks, where child-rearing and resource-sharing were
communal tasks.
The agricultural economy contributed to the rise of patriarchy when societies began settling and cultivating land, the accumulation of wealth through land and resources became important.
One of the reasons could be the requirement of physical strength for farming and warfare. In early Indus Valley civilisation excavations found in Rakhigarhi, Haryana women warriors, their weapons and shields were recovered. In farming, women still take part alongside men. The other reason could be that men typically had more freedom to move out, gather and discuss  societal matters. Men took on the roles of landholders and warriors.  Patriarchy shaped everything from gender roles to laws. Women had more responsibilities for caring and nurturing offspring, and less tiring domestic roles, while men were seen as providers, protectors, and leaders. Over time, patriarchal systems became deeply entrenched in  societal structures, and this gendered division of labour became a cultural norm. As societies became more structured, systems of inheritance, particularly land and wealth evolved naturally
and immovable property such as land remained solely male heirs. In a matriarchal system, such  inheritance remained with women.
Metaphysical Aspects : In the ancient Samkhya philosophy propounded by Maharishi Kapil who is considered an
Avatar (Kristos) of Vishnu, the Jagat (Cosmos) is an interplay of Purusha and Prakriti. Purusha is consciousness and Prakriti (Shakti) or energy. Shakti is considered a facilitator of the will of consciousness. Traditionally, women have been considered a form of Shakti in a man-woman union whereas Purusha or man is considered her  guide.
Every galaxy has its own Brahma from whom all the souls emerge. These souls are the information units acting like software that empower human and animal bodies. Complex body functions are not possible to be maintained without such software. The souls learn and evolve by learning through many life cycles in various species. In between their lives, these software units stay engaged in energy worlds. Although men and women are capable of independent existence, their evolution is through interdependence. Therefore, for metaphysical purposes
man and woman evolve together and their union is called Paranay (union of life force, Prana).
Prana refers to the information and control system of the body. The male souls can also be born as female creatures and vice versa but rarely.
When Brahma created his ten Manas Putras. He realised the need for sufficient motivation for interaction among the souls and he created souls by bifurcation of one soul. It indicates that male and female souls complement each other. His efforts were aided by Kasyapa, an Avatar of Vishnu who is the progeny of many divine races and all forms of life on Earth. There have been many versions of the human race on earth which have been started by Manus in each Manvantar. This explains the various types of races found on Earth. However, the quality of the soul is more important than the quality of the body. The main purpose of life is the evolution of the soul as an information-processing unit (having a unique identity of consciousness).
Baruch Spinoza rightly said, “The highest activity a human being can attain is learning for understanding because to understand is to be free.”
The Griha Sutras are a part of the ancient Indian Vedic literature. These texts are essentially manuals that provide detailed guidelines on various domestic rituals and rites of passage (samskaras) that are to be performed by a householder. The primary aim of the Griha Sutras is to ensure that the rituals and customs are followed meticulously to maintain the sanctity and order in a household. Several Griha Sutras have been authored by various sages, each associated with a different Vedic school. Ashvalayana Griha Sutra, Paraskara Griha Sutra, Apastamba Griha Sutra and Baudhayana Griha Sutra. They cover a wide range of domestic rituals including rites of Passage (Samskaras). These samskaras show importance of women in Hindu society.
1. Garbhadhana: The conception ritual, performed to ensure the conception of a healthy and virtuous child.
2. Pumsavana: A ritual conducted during pregnancy to ensure the birth of a male child.
Simantonnayana: A ceremony to ensure the well-being of the pregnant woman and her unborn child.
3. Jatakarma: Performed immediately after the birth of a child, to welcome the newborn and protect it from negative influences.
4. Namakarana: The naming ceremony, usually conducted on the 11th day after birth.
5. Annaprashana: The first feeding of solid food to the child.
6. Upanayana: The sacred thread ceremony, marking the initiation of a boy into
formal education and Vedic studies.
7. Vivaha: The marriage ceremony, outlining the duties and responsibilities of the bride and groom.
8. Antyeshti: The funeral rites, including rituals for the cremation and post-cremation
ceremonies.

Genetics Considerations: 
About 99.9% of the three billion “letters,” or nucleotides, that make up the human genome are the same in every person but 0.1% of DNA contains telltale differences.  Children inherit genes from both of their biological parents, and forefathers. More genes can be inherited from one of our parents. However, genes from which parent will be part selection process is a mystery. Females get two X chromosomes, one from their mother, and one from their father, whereas males get an X from their mother and a Y from their father.
The entire Y chromosome (which only males carry) is particularly useful for tracing paternal ancestry and migratory patterns due to its direct lineage from father to son.
X chromosome contains more than a thousand genes, whereas the Y chromosome has about 100 or 200 genes. This is one of the reasons why a patriarchal society is a natural system. The other chromosomes (autosomes) are inherited from both parents and contribute to a more complex picture of overall ancestry. The Mitochondrial DNA is inherited solely from the mother, providing information about maternal lineage. It contains just 37 of the
20,000 to 25,000 protein-coding genes in the human body. But it is notably distinct from DNA in the nucleus4.
Theoretical Perspectives: “Much of what is called ‘social problems’ consists of the fact that intellectuals have theories that do not fit the real world. From this, they conclude that it is the real world which is wrong
and needs changing.” – Thomas Sowell Patriarchy has far-reaching effects on various aspects of society, including politics, economics, education, and culture. In politics, patriarchal norms often limit women’s participation and
representation, leading to gender imbalances in leadership positions. Economically, patriarchy contributes to the gender pay gap and occupational segregation, where women are often relegated to lower-paying and less prestigious jobs. In education, patriarchal values can influence curricula and teaching practices, perpetuating gender stereotypes and biases.
Culturally, patriarchy shapes societal norms and expectations, reinforcing traditional gender roles and limiting individual expression.
Patriarchy has faced significant threats in recent years5.  The rise of feminist movements, increased awareness of gender equality, and the push for women’s rights have all contributed to the decline of patriarchal structures additionally, the global trend towards democracy and human rights has challenged the traditional power dynamics that uphold patriarchy. The backlash against feminist progress, as seen in the rollback of reproductive rights and the
censorship of gender-related topics, reflects the resistance to change6.
There is a significant misunderstanding of patriarchy. This system has been widespread because it is practical, logical and in line with reality. With the advent of new religions, significant misinformation campaigns led to the deterioration of women’s position in society. The reason for this was interference in the affairs of humanity to gain influence and control by NHI (nonhuman intelligence or galactic races). They were the revealers of the information and commandments which were misconstrued from God. With millions of galaxies and quintillions of stellar systems supreme God doesn’t have to sign covenants with a Shepard. The notion that God created woman from the rib of man and women are temptresses and need to be kept covered in black wraps led to significant degradation.
Changes in interpretation towards women led to the degradation of their position. Women have numerous reasons for despising the current social system7.
The persistent gender wage gap, where women earn less than men for the same work, is significant. Workplace discrimination and inequalities, such as the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, further
exacerbate the issue8.  Social norms and cultural practices, including child marriage and female genital mutilation, continue to oppress women and limit their opportunities Inadequate access to education and healthcare, as well as food insecurity, also contribute to women’s  dissatisfaction with the current system.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    (to be continued)

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*Dr Satinder Singh Malik:  was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 1997 as a fighter pilot. He flew state-of-the-art Su-30 MKI fighters. He is a keen skydiver, river rafter and mountaineer.  He has climbed  several peaks including  Mt Kilimanjaro , visiitng  Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansavroar.  He was also part of mountaineering expedition to Antartica.                                                                                                              Having interest in  Science of Yoga, Pragyan Brahama  philosophy  etc.  he has written  several papers for  Scientific God journal and JCER (Journal of Consciousness Exploration and Research) and books such as Beyond Common Science, A Logic of Every  Being.                                                                 Wing Cdr.. Malik reflects on deep insights provided by his Gurus Pilot Babaji and Mahavatar Babaji.