Dowry System in India

In our Indian society there are numerous problems like superstitions, illiteracy, cast
system and dowry system, etc.

It is surprising that even in these days of the 21th century, we are still drowned in the
dark depth of these evils.

One of the worst evils of Indian Society is the dowry system. The word dowry means
the property and money that a bride brings to her husbands house at the time of her
marriage. It is a custom that is prevalent in all the sections of our society in one form
or the other. At the beginning it was voluntary, but later on the social pressure was
such that very few could escape from it.

The dowry at present is a source of both joy and curse in the society. It is also a joy to
the husband and his relatives who get cash, costly dress and utensils, furniture, bedding
materials, etc. But, it is a curse to the brides parents who have to bear enormous cost
to satisfy the unreasonable demands of the bridegrooms party. A demand of dowry
does not diminish even after marriage. The in-laws of the bride are very much ready in
Indian homes to inflict harassment, insults and tortures-both mental and physical.
When more pressure is put on the brides parents, their dear daughter has no other
option but to commit suicide to avoid more insult and torture at the hands of the
members of her husbands family.

Also read: Social Issues in India (causes, effects and solutions)

This curse of Dowry System must be eradicated forth with at any cost. Women from
every walk of life, literate or illiterate, poor or rich, young or old must unite together
and come forward to protect their own honour and interest. Though the Government
has promulgated certain anti-dowry laws, these have not produced the desired results.
Peoples efforts are also necessary if this evil is to be removed once for all. The high
expenditure of the marriage ceremony must be cut down.

Women must be empowered. Gender-based inequality should be completely abolished

and the position of women in the society should be raised. Women must be taught since
girlhood that their life is not useless without marriage.

Girls should get the opportunity to get education at schools. After completion of school
education, they should be encouraged to have higher education. Proper education of
girls would be helpful in educating girls and women of their rights. Their age of
marriage should be raised. They should be encouraged to enter into various fields of
paid jobs, as their higher economic status also discourages demands for dowry. The
practice of mass marriage should be encouraged for the sake of economy.