Kandyan marriage

Types of unions

The custom recognizes two specific forms of marriage that define the social and economic structure of the household. In a Binna marriage, the husband moves into his wife's family home. This arrangement allows the wife to inherit her family's ancestral property, often in equal or greater shares than male heirs. The husband gains administrative rights over her estate but does not own it, with assets passing to their children upon her death. Conversely, a Diga marriage sees the wife join the husband's family. In this scenario, the wife typically forfeits claims to her natal family's property. Her dowry becomes part of the husband's wealth, shifting the economic focus entirely to the groom's lineage.

Legal framework

These traditions are codified under the Kandyan Law Declaration and Amendment Ordinance of 1938 and the Kandyan Marriage and Divorce Act. The current legal system applies to Buddhists from the former Kandyan provinces, including the Central, North Central, Uva, and Sabaragamuwa regions. It also extends to specific districts in the Northern and North Western provinces. The law governs marriage registration, divorce provisions, and inheritance disputes. Only marriages solemnized or registered under these acts are recognized. Unregistered unions fall outside this specific customary jurisdiction, requiring couples to navigate other legal frameworks for validation and protection.

Historical practices

Historically, the region permitted polygyny, particularly among royalty who maintained harems of queens and concubines. Polyandry, known as eka-ge-kema or 'eating in one house,' was also practiced until banned by British authorities in 1859. This involved a woman having multiple husbands, usually brothers, from the same family. While modern law restricts these arrangements, historical records show they were common even among royalty, such as King Vijayabahu VII. Contemporary Kandyan law focuses on monogamous unions registered under the act, leaving ancient multi-partner customs as historical artifacts rather than active legal options.

How Kandyan marriage is kept

Couples choose between Binna and Diga structures based on family needs and property considerations. The union requires registration under the Kandyan Marriage and Divorce Act to be legally valid. Families negotiate dowry terms in Diga marriages, which transfer to the groom's household. In Binna unions, the groom integrates into the bride's existing property management. The ceremony establishes the residence pattern, which permanently influences how assets are inherited by spouses and children according to customary law.

When and where

The practice is observed whenever a couple registers their marriage under the Kandyan Marriage and Divorce Act. There is no specific seasonal timing, but it applies to the Buddhist Sinhalese community in designated Sri Lankan provinces. Registration can occur at any time, provided the couple meets the legal requirements for either Binna or Diga classification.

It is strongest in Sri Lanka's Central Province, particularly around Kandy, the historic capital. The law also applies to the North Central, Uva, and Sabaragamuwa provinces. Specific areas in the Northern and North Western provinces, such as Kurunegala District, are also included. The custom is tied to the geographic boundaries of the former Kingdom of Kandy.

What Kandyan marriage means

The choice between Binna and Diga symbolizes the balance between individual family wealth and communal continuity. Binna marriages emphasize the preservation of the wife's ancestral line and property, ensuring daughters retain significant economic power. Diga marriages highlight the integration of the bride into the groom's lineage, with her dowry reinforcing the husband's economic status. These structures reflect deep-seated values regarding land ownership, gender roles, and intergenerational responsibility.

Who takes part

• The bride: Joins the husband's family in Diga marriages or retains property rights in Binna unions
• The groom: Moves into the bride's home in Binna marriages or receives her dowry in Diga unions
• The families: Negotiate residence patterns and dowry transfers to align with legal inheritance rules
• The state: Registers the marriage under the Kandyan Marriage and Divorce Act to validate the union

Then and now

Modern Kandyan marriages strictly follow the registered Binna or Diga models under the 1938 ordinance. Ancient practices like polyandry and royal polygyny have been abolished. The law continues to evolve through court rulings, such as the 2021 Supreme Court decision clarifying inheritance rights for Diga married daughters. Registration remains essential for legal recognition, blending traditional customs with contemporary civil law requirements.

Questions people ask about Kandyan marriage

See also

Beena marriageA pre-Islamic Arabian custom where the husband moves to the wife's home and she keeps her own tent.Poruwa ceremonyThe Sinhalese wedding ritual performed on a carved wooden platform with betel leaves and milk rice.MangalsutraThe sacred necklace tied around the bride's neck to mark her marriage.Nikah halalaA second marriage required for a woman to remarry her first husband after triple talaq.

Good reading and sources

• Kandyan law on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.