The dowry system has been a long-standing tradition, although it has been criticized and legally restricted in many places due to its negative consequences.
In theory, the dowry is intended to provide the bride with financial security and help her establish her new household. It may include items such as cash, jewelry, clothing, furniture, appliances, land, or other valuable assets. The expectation is that the groom’s family will receive the dowry as a form of support for the newly married couple.
However, the practice of dowry has often been misused and has led to various social issues. It can place a significant financial burden on the bride’s family, often leading to financial exploitation, indebtedness, and even harassment or violence if the demands are not met. In extreme cases, dowry-related disputes have resulted in dowry deaths, where the bride is killed or forced to commit suicide due to the inability to fulfill dowry demands.
To address these issues, several laws have been enacted in India, such as the Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961, which prohibits the giving or receiving of dowry. However, despite legal measures and increasing awareness, the dowry system continues to persist in certain regions and communities, albeit in more subtle forms.
It’s important to note that dowry practices are not universally followed in all Hindu marriages, and many Hindu communities have actively worked to eliminate this practice. In modern times, there is a growing emphasis on equal partnerships and the rejection of dowry as a prerequisite for marriage.