Is it wrong to take dowry?

“Dowry is legally and morally wrong, but this is part of a tradition and social custom. This is not at all dowry. This is just to ensure that the girl’s family has a good name in the boy’s family. This is to ensure that the girl is treated well in the boy’s family.

Is taking dowry illegal in India?

Dowry is illegal in India under the anti-dowry law. Under the Dowry Prohibition Act, any act to take or give dowry is punishable in India. The punishment for violating the anti-dowry law is imprisonment for up to 5 years and fine of Rs. 15,000 or the value of dowry given, whichever is more.

How do Hindu arranged marriages work in India?

Hindu Arranged Marriages in India. Like Muslim arranged marriages, the Hindu culture uses a matchmaker to help find possible matches. Once a match is found and arrangements met, the two families meet to discuss dowry, time, and location of the wedding, the birth stars of the boy and girl, and education (McDonald).

Why is dowry so important in an Indian marriage?

As research points out, dowry has become an institutionalized and integral part of the Indian marriage. Social and economic realities do little to keep it in check. Often, education is touted as the cure-all for social malaises and inequalities. But research shows that educated grooms tend to demand higher dowries.

How much dowry do you need to get married in India?

The amount depends on a large number of factors, including region, religion, caste and subcaste, groom’s education, bride’s skin tone, and the negotiation skills of both the families involved. Even though dowry has been illegal in India since 1961, it is still prevalent.

Can a woman earn more than her husband in arranged marriage?

The conventions in arranged marriages do not permit the wife earning more than the husband. A high-salaried woman would be matched only with a higher-salaried man who commands exorbitant dowry because of his income. The odds are stacked steeply against women and their families.