Dowry is the money, gifts, or property—both movable and immovable—that the groom or his family receives from the bride’s family during marriage. This custom involves giving the groom and his relatives various items like cash, jewelry, household goods, and furniture when the marriage takes place.

The practice of dowry includes giving durable items, valuables, or money by the bride’s side to the groom’s side as a condition of marriage. These items are usually meant to help the newly married couple begin their life together. Typical dowry items may include electrical appliances, furniture, kitchenware, bedding, and other home essentials.

According to the Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961, dowry refers to any valuable item or property that is promised or given—directly or indirectly—

• By either party to the marriage,
• By the parents of either party,
• Or by any other person,
  before, during, or after the wedding, as part of the arrangement for the marriage.

In earlier times, dowry was given in the form of useful gifts by the bride’s parents to help their daughter in her new household. Since women in those times were often uneducated and financially dependent on their husbands, the dowry served as a form of support or safety net during hard times like widowhood or unexpected difficulties.

What Affects the Amount of Dowry?

Boy’s Education and Job: The higher the groom’s educational qualification, the more dowry is expected. A man with a professional degree or a high-status job usually demands a larger dowry.

Family’s Wealth: Wealthy families often expect higher dowries to match their standard of living and maintain their reputation. If the groom’s family is well-off and owns property, they may demand much more.

Social Reputation: Families with high social standing may expect more dowry to reflect their status in society.

Bride’s Shortcomings: If the bride has certain physical features or qualities that are considered less desirable (such as being dark-skinned, short, or having a disability), the groom’s family might ask for a higher dowry as “compensation.”

Steps to Reduce or End the Dowry System

Promoting Education: Educating people can help reduce dowry practices, though education alone may not completely stop it.

Refusing Dowry Marriages: Girls should be encouraged to say no to marriages where dowry is demanded. However, many fear that rejecting such proposals might leave them unmarried.

Mandatory Marriage Registration: Making it compulsory to register all marriages can help. During registration, both families should sign a legal declaration stating that no dowry was exchanged. This could help gradually put an end to the practice.

Role of Political and Social Groups: Political parties and organizations such as clubs or service groups should raise awareness about the negative effects of dowry and encourage their members to neither give nor accept dowry.