Introduction
Dowry is a social practice that has been around for centuries and is still prevalent in many regions of the world. The practice of dowry is the transfer of money, goods, or property from the bride’s family to the groom or his family in exchange for the marriage arrangement. In some societies, it is seen as a way to strengthen the bond between two families. However, in many parts of the world, dowry has become a source of financial exploitation, violence and even death for women and their families. This article will discuss the history of dowry, the various forms it takes, and the consequences of dowry-related violence and exploitation.
History
The practice of dowry has a long history, with evidence of it appearing in ancient texts such as the Manusmriti and the Bible. It has been practiced in many cultures throughout the world, from the Middle East to Southeast Asia to Europe. In the Middle Ages, dowries were used to ensure the financial security of brides and to secure the social status of the family. In India, the custom of dowry can be traced back to the Vedic period, where it was used as a form of economic protection for the bride and her family.
Forms
Dowry can take many forms, such as money, jewelry, clothing, furniture, or other goods. In some cases, it may even include land or livestock. It is common for the bride’s family to pay a significant amount of money to the groom’s family in exchange for the marriage. In India, the dowry is typically given in the form of gold, jewelry, and cash. In some cases, the bride’s family may even give the groom’s family a large sum of money to pay for the wedding. In South Asia, dowries are often used to enhance the bride’s social status and to ensure her financial security.
Consequences
The practice of dowry has been linked to a number of negative consequences, including financial exploitation, violence, and even death. In India, there have been cases of brides being killed or committing suicide due to dowry-related harassment and abuse. In some cases, brides and their families have been threatened with violence if they do not meet the dowry demands. In addition, the practice of dowry can lead to social and economic inequalities between men and women, as well as between families.
Conclusion
Dowry is a practice that has been around for centuries and is still prevalent in many parts of the world. While it is seen as a way to strengthen the bond between two families, it has been linked to financial exploitation, violence, and even death. This article has discussed the history of dowry, the various forms it takes, and the consequences of dowry-related violence and exploitation.
References
Ahmed, I. (2015). Dowry in India: A Historical Perspective. International Journal of Research, 3(2), 139-144.
Bhandari, B. (2017). Dowry System: Causes, Effects and Solutions. International Journal of Scientific Research and Education, 5(7), 4249-4252.
Chauhan, M. (2015). Dowry System: A Curse for Indian Society. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 5(10), 1-3.
Menezes, A., & Pulla, S. (2015). Dowry: An Unethical Practice. International Journal of Social Science, 4(1), 1-5.