Introduction

The dowry system is the worst of all evils in Indian Society. The word ‘dowry’ means the property and money that a bride brings to her husband’s house at the time of her marriage. It is a practice which is widespread in the Indian society in one form or the other. At the beginning it was voluntary, but later on the social pressure was such that only some could escape from it.

The Evils of Dowry System in India

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, jewellery, costly dress, utensil and furniture.

But is a curse to the bride and her parents who have to bear gigantic cost to satisfy the irrational demands of the family of the boy.

It is a matter of immense regret that societies which were earlier free from dowry are gradually falling prey to it. If the demands for dowry ended with conclusion of marriage, there might have been some room for relief.

But it is a sad experience for many that the demands of dowry are extended towards the bride’s parents even after the marriage of their daughter.

She is sent to her parental home to bring more cash, ornaments, etc. as dowry. If she returns without dowry, cruel treatment or torture waits for her.

When more pressure is put on the bride’s parents, their dear daughter has no other option but to commit suicide to evade more insult and torture at the hands of the members of her husband’s family.

Solution

It is our moral duty, social obligation and legal right to fight against the dowry system. The evils of dowry system must be removed at any cost.

At public pressure the Government has enacted certain anti- dowry laws but these have not produced the desired results.

The effort of the people in society need to act rationally, if they want this evil is to be removed.

The lofty expenditure of the marriage ceremony must be cut down.

Women must be trained since girlhood that their life is not hopeless without marriage.

They should be encouraged to have higher education.

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.