ABSTRACT
Although the act of marriage means ultimately a fuller sexual life, sex is very far from exhausting the aims and objects of the institution. Once a Santal pair have settled down, their ambition is to have a child. A young wife feels incomplete without a baby. She must become a mother to secure adult respect. A wife will be handicapped in running the household if there is no daughter to assist her. A husband will find it difficult to cultivate his fields if there is no one to graze the cattle or assist with the ploughing, while in old age a son is his principal if not his only support. For ensuring this family objective, Santals turn primarily to their bongas. It is natural however that Santals should view the situation in the light of their dual world.
