DOWRY SYSTEM

 

Marriage is a time for celebration and joy, a foundation for a new life, and a fresh beginning. The Dowry System, however, is among the oldest evils in Indian society that are connected to marriage from the perspective of a girl. Although much has been done and said to condemn this horrible conduct, it still occurs in the twenty-first century. The bad behaviours of the male domination in our society are the source of this social brutality toward women.

The dowry system was first used as a formal rite for marriage during the Vedic era. In many Hindu weddings, the Kanyadan tradition—in which the bride presents the groom's family with a gift—plays a significant part. Dharmasasthra mentions this deed, and Kanyadan isn't complete until the groom receives some Dakshina. It wasn't required to get married back then; it was a choice act. Vardakshina eventually vanished, and dowry evolved into a monster that is continuously on the lookout for the helpless female gender.

The Reasons for Dowry System

The criteria that must be met by the bride's side are financial security, social standing, and making up for the groom's schooling. There are high standards that must be met in quiet. The proposal is threatened to be withdrawn by the groom's family, which instils panic in the girl's family. They quickly comply with the boy's request out of concern for their reputation in society. These attitudes are widespread because women are seen as solely suitable for domestic work due to the patriarchal structure of our society, which makes them a financial burden on families.

The dowry system is influenced by social conventions around marriage that emphasise selecting the ideal groom. The requirement that a groom come from a similar religious background prevents suitable unions. Boys with the right credentials are advantageous and promote the use of dowry to attract the highest bidder. There are also other social restrictions, such as the caste system and social standing. Clan exogamy and caste endogamy are still common when it comes to dating nowadays. Due to these restrictions, there were fewer good husbands available, which had the effect of increasing dowry demands.

the subordinate position that women have in our culture and how their families treat them like commodities as well as the women themselves. When marriage is a woman's ultimate goal, immoral activities like dowry will have a negative impact on society. One of the main causes of this horrific deed is a lack of appropriate knowledge. Many girls are prevented from attending school because to superstitions, or it is thought that if females receive a high education, it will lessen their obligation to be decent wives.

Many people all around the country mindlessly adhere to and appreciate their traditions and rituals without questioning the outcomes because it has been the accepted practise for many years. In India, dowry is a sign of social standing. The amount of money spent or the amount of gold given to a family is used to determine their value. The quantity of dowry provided to the girl's side raises the status of the groom's family and is a sign of how much demand men place on marriage.

The Effects of Dowry System

The girl's family is financially burdened by her dowry. A girl's feticides and infanticides were the result of this way of thinking. Compared to boys, girls are given more responsibility for family responsibilities from a young age instead of receiving a decent education. In the interest of maintaining family honour, the girls are subjected to a number of restrictions, including being required to stay at home. Due to the persistent assumption that age serves as a proxy for purity, child weddings are still frequently occurring.

Another myth is that younger women are better at being good housewives than older ones. Dowry is an ongoing procedure, and the boy's family is compelled to comply with their shady demands. If the bride's family does not fit the criteria, deaths, physical and mental violence, and verbal abuse are frequent occurrences

It is challenging for a woman to maintain a strong sense of self-worth in a nation where men have long held the reins of power, such as India. Women naturally think of themselves as a burden on society and as being unable to contribute. They suffer a loss of self-worth and turn into social outcasts.

Solutions for Eradicating the Evil Act- The Dowry System

Several laws were introduced to provide the women justice. The Dowry Prohibition Act, which was passed on May 20, 1961, stipulates that it is illegal to take dowries in the form of property, jewellery, or cash and that those who do so risk punishment. If someone makes dowry demands, a fine of 15,000 rupees and a minimum sentence of five years in jail are imposed. According to Section 113A of the Indian Evidence Act, the bride's family may file a lawsuit against the groom's family if they coerce their daughter into committing suicide within seven years of the wedding.

It is not sufficient to combat this societal evil by merely modifying various sections and introducing actions. Even if the bride's family's accusations are taken seriously, a lack of proper investigative techniques leaves the accused innocent. It is not sufficient to combat this societal evil by merely modifying various sections and introducing actions. Even if the bride's family's accusations are taken seriously, a lack of proper investigative techniques leaves the accused innocent. 

It is crucial that girls have an education. The government's decision to launch the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign is a crucial one. It began in our nation's most rural areas, where there are fewer kid sex ratios than in more developed places. Knowing the legal restrictions on the dowry act will give the girl's family more confidence. In today's fast-paced environment, developing self-reliance is crucial, and it is possible with the right education. A girl will be better equipped to stand up for herself and speak out against persistent marginalisation if she is aware of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. With the right education, a girl can become established in the patriarchal culture and stop seeing marriage as a means of atonement.