It's as if the institution of marriage itself were being redefined–where once there were three (or more)–a woman, a man, his brother(s)–now there seem to be only two.  What a shame.

Polyandry has been practiced here for centuries, but in a single generation it has all but vanished. That is a remarkably swift development in a country where social change, despite rapid economic growth, leaping technological advances and the relentless march of globalization, happens with aching slowness, if at all.

 The march of time.  Here's the kicker:

“That system had utility for a time,” Mr. Bhagsen said. “But in the present context it has outlived its usefulness. The world has changed.”

The world has changed.