INDIAN MARRIAGES VS. WESTERN

MARRIAGES

Submitted to:

Ms. Shruti Ahuja

Submitted by:

Name: Kunika Kanodia

BA LLB 1-A

Enrolment no: 04551103815

Subject: Sociology

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Every project big or small is successful largely due to the effort of a number of wonderful people

who have always given their valuable advice or lent a helping hand. I sincerely appreciate the

inspiration; support and guidance of all those people who have been instrumental in making this

project a success.

I owe my profound gratitude to our Director General Justice Bhanwar Singh, Director Dr. S. K.

Singh , Our Librarian Dr. Tushar Garg.

I am equally grateful to my Sociology teacher Ms. Shruti Ahuja. She gave me moral support and

guided me in different matters regarding the topic. She had been very kind and patient while

suggesting me the outlines of this project and correcting my doubts. I thank her for her overall

supports.

Last but not the least, I would like to thank my Mother who helped me a lot in gathering different

information, collecting data and guiding me from time to time in making this project. Despite of

their busy schedules, she gave me different ideas in making this project unique.

CERTIFICATE

Date: 22/02/2016

This is to certify that Ms. Kunika Kanodia (Enrollment no.: 04551103815) a student of School of

Legal Studies, Delhi Metropolitan Education (Affiliated to GGSIPU), has undergone a Project

work from February 12, 2016 to February 22, 2016 titled “Indian marriages vs. Western

marriages” under my supervision.

- Ms. Shruti Ahuja

(Sociology Teacher) BA LLB 1-A

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Preface …1

2. Introduction …2

3. Introduction of Indian marriages …3

4. Forms of marriages …4

5. Types of marriages …5

6. Traditions of Hindu marriage …6

7. Traditions of Muslim marriage …7

8. Marriages in western countries …8-12

9. Wedding gifts …13-14

10. Comparison of Indian marriages to others …15-16

11. Laws for Indian marriages …17

12. Conclusion …18

13. Bibliography …19

PREFACE

Marriage is a ubiquitous feature of human kinship and social organization and its development

assumed a critical role in the history of social institutions. According to many anthropologists,

the regulation of sexual relationships may in itself have formed the basis of all human social

orders. Several widely occurring functions of marriage can be associated with notable behavioral

universals. This project deals with the differences that could be traced amongst Indian marriage

system that compared to the system of western marriages.

INTRODUCTION

Marriage between two person is a sacred relationship that is not limited to this life alone. It

extends across seven or more lives, during which the couple help each other progress spiritually.

The adage that marriages are made in heaven is very much true in case of Hinduism. Two should

come together and marry because their karmas are intertwined and they have to resolve many

things together upon earth in order to ensure their mutual salvation. The relationship between a

couple is essentially a relationship of the souls. It is not necessary that their gender roles are

fixed for ever. Sometimes they may switch roles, and the husband may become wife and wife the

husband. Sometimes they may also temporarily part their ways and come together again one or

two lives in grand reunion.

The following can be regarded as the features of Marriage and responsibilities:

1. parental responsibility for long term infant nurturing and education,

2. social regulation of sexual competition, 3. organization of gendered divisions of labour,

4. assignment of individuals to social groups and statuses, and 5. the formation of intergroup alliances and exchanges.

Yet in spite of these general features, different cultures have developed a fascinating diversity of

regulations and customs concerning prohibitions and preferences for marriage partners as well as

expectations between spouses and in-laws. Prominent variations, such as arranged marriages,

polygamy, and same-sexed unions provide a rich ethnographic record for speculating about why

societies differ. They also challenge our tolerance of different moral conventions at the most

basic level.

INTRODUCTION OF INDIAN MARRIAGES

Marriage and family , the social institutions with biological foundations are complementary to

each other .both have a long standing history of their own . In the Indian context also both the

institutions have been in existence since time immemorial. Both have withstood the ravages of

time and the shocks of centuries they are permanent elements in our social system.

In the hindu social heritage marriage have never been looked at from the materialistic point of

view. Marriage among the hindus is a sacrament and not a contract .The rigveda itself speaks of

the sancity of the institution of marriages ,the tie of marriage was regarded even at that stage also

as a binding force all through life. Marriage was a ritual which enjoined the husband to regard

his wife as a god given gift . centuries have rolled and since then . The hindu marriage though it

has undergone vast changes has not totally lost its sanctity

Broadly ,in the indo-aryan –speaking north a family seeks marriage alliances with people to

whom it is not already linked by ties of blood . Marriage arrangements often involved looking

for a field . In the Dravidian speaking south ,a family seeks to strengthen existing kin ties

through marriges , preferably with blood relatives or an affinal relation all blood relatives are

forbidden as marriages mate to a person or children . In the south there is no clear distinction

regarding the family of birth and family of marriage . Because marriage in the south commonly

involve a continuing exchange of daughter among a few families for the married couples all

relatives are ultimately the blood kin .

On the indo- gangetic plan, marriges are contracted outside the village , sometimes even outside

of large groups of villages , with members of the samne caste beyond any traceable

consanguineal ties .In much area daughters should not given into villages where daughter of the

family or of the natal villages have previously been given . In most of the region bvrother sister

exchanged marriages are shunned.

FORM’S OF MARRIAGES

The main form of marriges which prevails in india are ,MONOGAMY and POLYGYNY. In

general sense, ancient hindus regard monogamy as the most ideal form of marriage which

basically practiced by hindu community, and polygyny also prevails in india but this system is

opted by muslim community rather hindu community .

MONOGAMY..

It is a type of marriage in which one men marries one women,this is the most widespread form of

marriage found among the primitives as well as civilized people if it was very popular during

early times , it has almost becomes a universal practice at present . It is practiced among the

tribals known as kadras, santhals ,the khasis, the canella etc. it seems to the superior forms of

marriages it is universally practicable, economically better suited, promotes better understanding

between husband and wife , help for better socialization.

POLYGYNY

Polygyny is a form of marriage in which one man marries more than one women at a given time .

it was practiced in most of the ancient civilizations. Polygyny is of two types sororal polygyny

and non-sororal polygyny

Sororal polygyny is a type of marriages in which wives are invariably the sisters , when several

sisters are stimulateneously, or potentially the spouse of the same men.

Non – sororal polygyny , is a type of marriage in which wives are not related as sisters. For

social ,economical, political reason.

TYPES OF MARRIAGE’S

HINDU MARRIAGES..

The hindus have been given, great importance for marriage since time immemorial . marriage is

almost obligatory and unavoidable for an average Indian . Life without marriage is almost

unthinkable in this country and there is a sharp social stigma attached to those who remain

unmarried for long.hence C.B.Mamoria rightly commented that “ we are a much marrying

people”.

Hindu marriges are considered sacred , among the hindu community marriage is not a social

contract , it is a religious sacrament marriage to hindu is a great individual and social

significance , it is a socially approved union of man . Main aims of hindu marriages are dharma,

praja , rati , praja etc.

MUSLIM MARRIAGES..

In the muslim community marriage is universal for its discourage celibacy islam has almost

made it compulsory . prophet mohammad also stressed that marriage life is preferable to

unmarried life . both the main sects within islam called “sunnis” and “shias” consider marriage

amongst obligatory . muslim marriage does not have any religious significance, marriage in the

muslim society is a religious duty also it is the devotion and the act of “ibadat”

.

TRADITIONS OF INDIAN MARRIAGE

An Indian hindu marriage is strictely observed according to the ancient Indian culture norms laid

down in vedas . In the Indian society a wedding is not just the coming together of trwo peoples

rather two souls . In fact a wedding also bring two families closer which thereafter, share a bond

of respect and affection . As a result there are number of traditions and customs associated with

the Indian hindu wedding ceremony . These traditions are the essence of the martial institution ,

thereby strengthening the significance , chastity, and faith in the same .

KANYADAAN

The complexity of an Indian hindu marriage is owning to the fact that there are many rituals

performed according to the vedic practices and hymns .kanyadaan is also such as a ritual which

apart from b eing vital to the ceremony , tugs at the emotional cord of the bride’s parents .

MANGALSUTRA

In hindu weddings ,one of the most sacred customs is of tying mangalsutra . it is basically a

black an d gold or diamond pendant.,mangalsutra carries immense importance in hindu weedings

make itr an elaborate ceremony.

SEVEN VOWS

An Indian marriage is one of the most serious and sacred affair in the society . This is visible

from the austerity with which it is performed . a hindu marriage in particular is all about rituals

and customs . there are a number of them which are followed before and after wedding , making

it an elaborate ceremony.

SOLAH SRINGAR

Solah sringar are the sixteen adorements of an Indian hindu bride, which contribute to her

complete beautification . wedding has always been a fantasy for every girl it is a dream , sdhe is

born with and wishes to realize with utmost carre and precision, and there are some othe4r

tradition which are followed too.

SOME TRADITIONS OF MUSLIM MARRIAGES

On the wedding day, the baraat leave for the bride’s house. On the wedding venue they are given

a hearty welcome and groom enjoys a glass of sherbet with his brother-in-law. Soon after this the

NIKAH is commenced.

There are two religious heads present at the place representing the two parties.

Mehar: The amount of mehar a compulsory amount of money to be given to the bride by the

family of groom is also decided after that Maulvie ask the bride three times whether she agrees

to this marriage or not after this groom is asked three times the same thing, whether he accept the

women as his wife with decided amount of Mehar, after this the NIKAHNAMA is signed.

The Holy Quran and a Mirror is placed between them through which they are allowed to see

each other for the first time. This is known as AARSI MUSHAF.

MARRIAGES IN WESTERN COUNTRIES

"I do." To Americans those two words carry great meaning. They can even change your life. Especially if you say them at your own wedding. Making wedding vows is like signing a

contract. Now Americans don't really think marriage is a business deal. But marriage is serious business. Marriage is usually initiated by a proposal of marriage, simply called "a proposal". In a

heterosexual relationship, the man traditionally proposes to the woman and the actual proposal often has a ritual quality, involving the presentation of a ring (an engagement ring) and the formalized asking of a question such as "Will you marry me?" The man may even go down on

one knee before proposing. If the proposal is accepted, the couple become engaged. Sometimes the couple just decides together that the time is right to get married. The man usually gives his

fiancee a diamond ring as a symbol of their engagement. They may be engaged for weeks, months or even years. As the big day approaches, bridal showers and bachelor's parties provide many useful gifts. Today many couples also receive counseling during engagement. This

Western Culture prepares them for the challenges of married life. In the United Kingdom, the engagement ring is worn, by the woman, on the third finger of the left hand (the ring finger).In

the UK the 29th of February (in a leap year) is said to be the one day (coming round only once every four years) when a woman can propose to her partner. A man who is engaged to be married is called his partner's fiancé; a woman similarly engaged is called her partner's fiancée.

Once a wedding date has been set the banns of marriage, commonly known simply as "the

banns" (from an Old English word meaning "to summon") are announced. This is a notice, usually placed in the local parish church or registery office, which tells everyone that a marriage is going to take place between two people.

The purpose of banns is to enable anyone to raise any legal problems as to why the two people shouldn't get married, basically it is to prevent marriages that are legally invalid. Impediments

vary between legal jurisdictions, but would normally include a pre-existing marriage (having been neither dissolved nor annulled), a vow of celibacy, lack of consent, or the couple's being

related within the prohibited degrees of kinship.

In England, a marriage is only legally valid if the reading of the banns has taken place or a

marriage licence has been obtained. In addition to the bride and groom, traditional weddings involve a lot more people. Typically,

these positions are filled by close friends of the bride and groom; being asked to serve in these capacities is seen as a great honour.

For the couple:-

Ringbearer - an attendant, often a young boy, who carries the wedding rings.

Ushers - helpers, usually men, who assist with the organization.

For the groom:-

Best man - a close male friend or relative of the groom, given a place of honour.

Groomsmen - one or more male attendants who support the groom.

For the bride:-

Maid of honour - a close female friend or relative of the bride, given a place of honour. If she is married, she is called the "matron of honour" instead.

Bridesmaids - one or more female attendants who support the bride. Father of the Bride - One who symbolically "gives away" the bride. If her father is deceased or

otherwise unavailable, another male relative, often an uncle or brother, will give the bride away. Flower girl - a young girl who scatters flowers in front of the bridal party. Junior Bridesmaids - young girl typically between the ages of 8 and 16 who is too old to be a

flowergirl, but the bride wants to be a part of the wedding.

THE WEDDING CEREMONY

A bride's wedding day is often touted as "the happiest day of her life", but in all honesty it's often a very stressful experience as there are lots of conventions surrounding the whole thing and you

can get caught up in family rows, and trying to please everyone. Still it's a good test of a couple's fortitude.

When the guests arrive for a wedding the ushers' duty is to hand out the correct books, flowers and the order of service, they also ensure the guests are seated in the correct places. Traditionally, the side on which people sit depends on whether they are friends or family of the

bride or of the groom. The front rows are generally reserved for close family or friends, with the very first seats reserved for the bridal party. However, in many ceremonies the bridal party will

remain standing at the altar during the ceremony along with the bride and groom.

The groom and his best man wait inside the church for the arrival of the bride and her

"entourage".

This entourage generally arrives in elegant cars or in horse-drawn coaches, specially hired for the

occasion. The bride's entourage normally consists of the bride, the bride's father and all the various bridesmaids, maids of honour, sometimes flower girls and page boys attend her. The

page boy's task is often to carry the wedding rings on a cushion.

The ushers and/or groomsmen escort the grandparents of the bride and groom to their seats.

The ushers and/or groomsmen escort the mother of the groom and mother of the bride to their seats.

The bridesmaids enter, escorted by the groomsmen. The maid or matron of honour enters, either by herself or escorted by the best man. The ringbearer or page boy enters.

The flower girl enters. (In some ceremonies, the ringbearer will accompany the flower girl.) The bride then proceeds down the aisle, escorted by her father, to the accompaniment of music

(usually the wedding march, often called "Here comes the bride"), and the ceremony starts.

During the ceremony the bride and groom make their marriage vows. Marriage vows are

promises a couple makes to each other during a wedding ceremony. In Western culture, these promises have traditionally included the notions of affection ("love, comfort, keep"), faithfulness

("forsaking all others"), unconditionality ("for richer or for poorer", "in sickness and in health"), and permanence ("as long as we both shall live", "until death do us part").

Most wedding vows are taken from traditional religious ceremonies, but nowadays in the UK

many couples choose touching love poems or lyrics from a love song revised as wedding vows and some couples even choose to write their own vows, rather than relying on standard ones spoken by the celebrant (registrar, priest or vicar).

After the vows have been spoken the couple exchange rings. The wedding ring is placed on the third finger of the left hand, also called the "ring" finger. The wedding ring is usually a plain

gold ring. I was once told that the third finger was chosen because in the past people believed a vein ran from that finger, straight to the heart - modern anatomy books havel put paid to that

theory though.

After the wedding ceremony, the bride, groom, officiant, and two witnesses generally go off to a

side room to sign the wedding register. Without this the marriage is not legal and a wedding certificate cannot be issued.

Afterward, guests file out to throw flower petals, confetti, birdseed, or rice (uncooked for obvious reasons) over the newly-married couple for good luck.

The bride stands with her back to all the guests and throws her bouquet over her head to them. Whoever catches the bouquet is the next person to get married. I don't know if this has ever been

scientifically tested, but it can result in a very unseemly scramble, reminiscent of rugby scrums.

Wedding guests are generally sent invitations to which they are expected to reply (rsvp). The guests are generally invited to both the wedding and the wedding reception afterwards, although sometimes reception places are limited. Often certain people are invited due to perceived family

obligations, as to not receive an invitation can be considered an insult.

After the wedding things move to the reception where the newlyweds, their parents, the best man

and the wedding entourage greet the guests. The reception usually consists of a catered three course meal, drinks, numerous toasts and speeches and the cutting of the wedding cake by the

bride and groom, all accompanied by music. The dancing is usually started by the bride and groom who commonly get the first dance called

the “Bridal Waltz”. Dancing a waltz is actually rare, couples usually choose their favorite love song for their first dance.

After the first dance, a dance between the bride and her father is traditional. Often the groom will cut in halfway through, to symbolize the bride leaving her father and joining her husband. In

America, dances between the groom and his mother are also becoming popular.

Usually the newlyweds will be the victim of some sort of good-natured hazing or “shivaree”. This is the typical custom of tying tin cans to the car bumper or putting shaving cream on the car windows.

Finally the newlyweds are ready to set out on their honeymoon. Newlyweds try to celebrate

honeymoons in places that are in some way special and romantic to them. Sometimes they will be secluded, sometimes exotic or warm or somehow special to the couple. Recently couples will

combine the wedding and honeymoon into one location or substitute one for the other.

Italian Weddings

In an Italian wedding the reception will begin with a cocktail hour where the bridal party and the guests separate for an hour and are served cocktails. During the cocktail hour food is served

buffet style and the bride and groom will usually take this time to have photographs taken.

After cocktail hour the guests gather in the main dining room. The bride and groom enter and are formally introduced as husband and wife for the first time. The newlyweds then take the first dance with the wedding party soon joining in and then the rest of the guests. After some dancing,

everyone is seated and speeches are given by family and friends and everyone joins in a champagne toast to the bride and groom.

Food is served throughout the reception, usually a three course meal with plenty of dancing in between and then it is time for the bride and groom to cut the wedding cake just before the

dessert course begins. Sicilian custom includes what is called “Venetian Hour” where a huge selection of pastries, fruit, cakes and coffees are served on what is called a “Venetian Table”

amidst much celebration. After dessert is served there is more dancing and then gifts are given to the bride and groom. A

tradition in Southern Italy is for the guests to give envelopes of money to the newlyweds who give a small token of appreciation called a wedding favor. In Northern Italy there is no tradition

of envelopes with money, but the wedding favor is still given.

Christian Weddings

Christian weddings and receptions are very similar to the traditional Italian wedding. The specific customs and traditions can vary based on the ethnic group, social group or what part of the country the wedding is in.

First, engraved invitations are sent out to the wedding guests and hand addressed for a personal

touch. The guests then send or deliver wedding gifts to the bride’s home before the wedding day. The wedding ceremony takes place at a church or other special location of choice such as a botanical garden or a back yard. The wedding reception will follow either at the same place or

somewhere else.

At the reception the bridal party lines up in a receiving line and the wedding guests file past and introduce themselves. Snacks and a meal are usually served while the guests and newlyweds spend time together. Usually the best man and maid of honor will then toast the bride and groom

with best wishes, stories and personal thoughts and some of the other guests will follow with their own toasts. Champagne, or some kind of nonalcoholic option are used for the toast.

The bride and groom will then take the first dance together. Often the bride and groom will

exchange dances with their respective parents, then sometimes dance with the wedding party then the bride and groom will dance together again while the wedding party joins in and then the

rest of the guests will follow. Some cultures will have a money dance where guests will actually pin money on the bride and groom to help them get started with their new life and home. Some other cultures would considered this to be vulgar. Music is usually provided by a live band but

sometimes a disc jockey or stereo are used.

After the meal is served and the toasting done the cake-cutting ceremony takes place. The bride and groom both hold a cake cutter, usually a gift given as a keepsake, and cut the first slices of cake. An enjoyable highlight of the cake cutting ceremony in Christian weddings is after cutting

the first slice, the bride and groom will feed each other cake and often this will lead to smearing cake on each other’s faces. In some groups this would be considered vulgar.

After the cake-cutting the bride at some point will toss the bouquet. She will turn her back toward a group of all the unmarried women at the wedding and toss the bouquet backwards over

her shoulder. Superstition says that the lucky woman who catches it will be the next to marry. In some groups the groom will do the same with the brides garter, throwing it to a group of all the

unmarried men with the same intent. Gifts are usually opened ahead of time and sometimes displayed at the reception and guests that

bring gifts will place them on a gift table for the bride and groom to take home and open later.

WEDDING GIFTS

Italian Weddings

In an Italian wedding the reception will begin with a cocktail hour where the bridal party and the guests separate for an hour and are served cocktails. During the cocktail hour food is served buffet style and the bride and groom will usually take this time to have photographs taken.

After cocktail hour the guests gather in the main dining room. The bride and groom enter and are

formally introduced as husband and wife for the first time. The newlyweds then take the first dance with the wedding party soon joining in and then the rest of the guests. After some dancing, everyone is seated and speeches are given by family and friends and everyone joins in a

champagne toast to the bride and groom.

Food is served throughout the reception, usually a three course meal with plenty of dancing in between and then it is time for the bride and groom to cut the wedding cake just before the dessert course begins. Sicilian custom includes what is called “Venetian Hour” where a huge

selection of pastries, fruit, cakes and coffees are served on what is called a “Venetian Table” amidst much celebration.

After dessert is served there is more dancing and then gifts are given to the bride and groom. A tradition in Southern Italy is for the guests to give envelopes of money to the newlyweds who

give a small token of appreciation called a wedding favor. In Northern Italy there is no tradition of envelopes with money, but the wedding favor is still given.

Christian Weddings

Christian weddings and receptions are very similar to the traditional Italian wedding. The

specific customs and traditions can vary based on the ethnic group, social group or what part of the country the wedding is in.

First, engraved invitations are sent out to the wedding guests and hand addressed for a personal touch. The guests then send or deliver wedding gifts to the bride’s home before the wedding day.

The wedding ceremony takes place at a church or other special location of choice such as a botanical garden or a back yard. The wedding reception will follow either at the same place or somewhere else.

At the reception the bridal party lines up in a receiving line and the wedding guests file past and

introduce themselves. Snacks and a meal are usually served while the guests and newlyweds spend time together. Usually the best man and maid of honor will then toast the bride and groom with best wishes, stories and personal thoughts and some of the other guests will follow with

their own toasts. Champagne, or some kind of nonalcoholic option are used for the toast.

The bride and groom will then take the first dance together. Often the bride and groom will exchange dances with their respective parents, then sometimes dance with the wedding party then the bride and groom will dance together again while the wedding party joins in and then the

rest of the guests will follow. Some cultures will have a money dance where guests will actually pin money on the bride and groom to help them get started with their new life and home. Some

other cultures would considered this to be vulgar. Music is usually provided by a live band but sometimes a disc jockey or stereo are used.

After the meal is served and the toasting done the cake-cutting ceremony takes place. The bride and groom both hold a cake cutter, usually a gift given as a keepsake, and cut the first slices of

cake. An enjoyable highlight of the cake cutting ceremony in Christian weddings is after cutting the first slice, the bride and groom will feed each other cake and often this will lead to smearing

cake on each other’s faces. In some groups this would be considered vulgar. After the cake-cutting the bride at some point will toss the bouquet. She will turn her back

toward a group of all the unmarried women at the wedding and toss the bouquet backwards over her shoulder. Superstition says that the lucky woman who catches it will be the next to marry. In

some groups the groom will do the same with the brides garter, throwing it to a group of all the unmarried men with the same intent.

Gifts are usually opened ahead of time and sometimes displayed at the reception and guests that bring gifts will place them on a gift table for the bride and groom to take home and open later.

COMPARISON OF INDIAN MARRIAGE SYSTEM TO WESTERN

MARRIAGE SYSTEM

1. Colors followed during Rituals.

In Indian scenario the bride usually wears a vibrant wedding dress that has majorly colors

like Red or similar color schemes.

However, white and black are the dress color code followed in western countries.

This thing contrasts to Indian Culture because the white and black either considered as a

symbol of Widow or evil energies.

2. Food catering.

Western marriages the food is served at predefined time and not beforehand. While in

India the food is available all the time at the venue of wedding.

3. Same sex Marriages.

In India the concept of same sex marriage is not supported by society, even law provides

no safeguard or any approval to it. The IPC 377 declares homosexual acts as a punishable

offence. The High Court judgment in a leading case Naz Foundation v. Govt. of NCT of

Delhi filed a curative petition.

On the other hand, in western notion there are 50 states or more which legalized the same

sex marriage concept so far. In 2015, 4 countries legalized the same. Belgium was the

first to legalize it in 2003. However there around 21 western states which ruled same sex

marriage as unconstitutional.

4. Arranged or Love marriages

It is seen that most of the times arranged marriages are warmly accepted in Indian

cultural settings. This mindset is changing substantively and people now accepting love

marriages too.

In Christianity they are fully devoted to the idea of romantic marriages. In modern

marriages, “for love” is the institution.

5. Age differences.

In Indian scenario age matters a lot. If the bridegroom is younger to the bride then the

family either gets finicky or show disapproving attitude towards the girl.

In western scenario mostly jump to a rational pitch where age is not a matter to choose a

partner. They prefer the level of experience and maturity over age.

6. Independence of Dating in Society.

Indian people do not take their own decisions, their parents do. The dating stuff is mostly

prohibited by families of true traditional values.

The people from west the freedom of dating and having sex out of marriage is not a

cliché. They can even get married to their partners.

7. Caste system.

The caste system of ancient India is followed vastly if we see classifieds in daily

newspapers they have each caste based category for matrimony. It is still prevailing in

many families and has very rigid views to it.

In western countries castism is not seen but they suffer mostly from racism. That could be

added as a point of discrimination.

8. Dowry System.

In India be it Hindu marriages or Muslim marriages both have dowry exchange. The

practice became such an evil by the passage of time that it was the main reason of death

of newly wedded women. India has acts to prohibit it like- Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961;

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005; and more.

There is no such dowry system explicitly in any western country.

9. Divorce Rates.

The divorce Rates of India are 50% less than that of United Sates.

More than 60% of marriages turn in to divorces initially in United States.

LAWS FOR INDIAN MARRIAGES

1. Hindu Marriage Act of 1955- The Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 is applicable to

Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists. A religious marriage which has already been

solemnized can be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The Hindu Marriage

Act is applicable in cases where both husband and wife are Hindus, Buddhists, Jains or

Sikhs or where they have converted into any of these religions. The Hindu Marriage Act

provides for the conditions of a marriage where under the bridegroom should be the age

of 21 years and bride of 18 years, they both should not be within the degree of prohibited

relationship. 2. The Special Marriage Act, 1954 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted to provide

a special form of marriage for the people of India and all Indian nationals in foreign

countries, irrespective of the religion or faith followed by either party.

3. The Christian marriage Act 15 of 1872-The Christian marriages are solemnized under

The Christian marriage Act 15 of 1872. A Christian is one who professes the religion of

Jesus Christ and Indian Christians include native converts to Christianity and their

Christian descendants.

4. Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act 1936 – Marriage Law For Indian Zoroastrians, Parsis,

Iranis. This is the act that governs marriage and divorce among members of the Parsi and

Irani community in India. It is applicable throughout India, except in Jammu & Kashmir.

CONCLUSION

Its very difficult to come to conclusion that what system of marriage is perfect. In any situation it

all depends on many things that make marriage a success. There will always be positive and

negative. It all comes to many relevant questions. But one thing is very clear marriage as Indian

culture and values things is something which is a lifelong relationship. It’s the relationship that

has to be kept bonded even in very unfavorable situation. Indian tradition which makes this

bonding as forever is very important. Thinking marriage as mutual arrangement, as western

things brining the relationship to the materialistic level. Marriage is a sacred relationship and its

unbreakable at any situation. And that’s the great Indian tradition that makes our society a great

one.

The family is the most fundamental social unit, the prototype of all other human associations. It

is out of marriages that families and communities arise. Marriage is the place to experience

sexual love between man and woman, give birth to new life, and establish one's lineage for the

future. As energy is invested in the maintenance of marriages, families, and the communities

they both require and build, society is propelled forward in civil, nurturing, and benevolent ways.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Marriage

2. https://umanitoba.ca/faculties/arts/anthropology/tutor/marriage/

3. https://sites.google.com/site/indiandivorcelaws/divorce-rate-in-india

4. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/8653051/Marriage-is-

a-good-thing-for-society-and-children.html

5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dowry_system_in_India#Laws_against_dowry

6. http://gaymarriage.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=004857

7. http://www.slideshare.net/manojksinghania/marriage-how-why-an-indian-

perspective?from_action=save

8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naz_Foundation_v._Govt._of_NCT_of_Delhi