Across the Indian subcontinent, the term gharjamai 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 word Gr̥ha (गृह)[1] meaning house and Jamai is derived from Sanskrit word jāmātr̥[2] (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.[3][4][5] The term carries a social stigma in Indian society, 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.[6]
