Poly-theme

Not many men have missed the worldwide media coverage of the President of South Africa Jacob Zuma's joyful dance on getting married for the fifth time. And the reactions have been varied.

A friend, who has been married for over a decade, was in awe of Zuma's courage for committing what he said was Harakiri five times over.

While, a younger guy, still trying to find his way out of the domestic rigmarole, couldn't understand why a sane man would dance at the prospect of inviting the wrath and emotional 'Bazookas' of five women, legally.

And to the pleasure of every romantic heart, one about-to-be-married friend wondered how could Zuma be so heartless?

But Zuma seemed happy.

On second thoughts, Indian men shouldn't be perplexed by the idea of polygamy. It has dotted our history and mythology. Most of our kings, all our Gods and even our rivers have had more than one wife.

Be it to protect kingdoms, befriend a conquered king or just because a damsel caught their eye, our predecessors have said 'I do' several times in one lifetime, sometimes even crossing the 10,000 mark! And each one of them is revered equally, without a hint of scandal. There was no threat of losing jobs because you fancied more than one fair lady!

Is Tiger Woods feeling jealous?

And just to remind those who want to contradict, alimony existed in those days too. The only respite for modern-day polygamous lovers is that kings didn't have to worry about paychecks and Gods held the debit card to the Universe.

Now, just in case, my women friends are questioning what this encouraging note for men hold for us?

Remember, if your man turns Krishna, you could demand to be Draupadi too!