For decades, arranged marriages have been an important part of Indian society. Parents pick their child’s mate based on caste, religion, and socioeconomic status (Chattopadhyay & Chattopadhyay, 2019). Arranged marriages in India have evolved in response to changing ideals about marriage and relationships. Traditionally, arranged marriages were employed to protect family lineage as well as social and economic stability. Marriages in ancient India were regularly arranged by the bride and groom’s family, sometimes without the couple’s agreement (Chattopadhyay & Chattopadhyay, 2019). The caste system separated society and defined who could and could not marry. Because inter-caste marriages were prohibited, individuals married within their caste. When arranging weddings, families started to consider compatibility and marriage chances. Even while the caste system remains in existence, Indians marry beyond their caste more often in arranged weddings. Religion has an impact on Indian arranged marriages. Hinduism, India’s predominant religion, has a huge effect on arranged marriage. “Dharma,” or life responsibility, is emphasized in Hinduism. Marriage within one’s caste contributes to social and economic stability (Chattopadhyay & Chattopadhyay, 2019). Marriage customs exist in both Islam and Sikhism, both of which are observed in India (Chattopadhyay & Chattopadhyay, 2019). Family-arranged Muslim weddings need the bride and groom’s approval. Arranged marriages are not permitted in Sikhism. Relationships should be chosen by Sikhs based on compatibility and understanding (Chattopadhyay & Chattopadhyay, 2019). Arranged marriages are therefore a long-standing practice in India. The practice evolved through time in response to changes in societal attitudes and aspirations. Younger generations prefer planned weddings over love marriages, reflecting a shift in marriage and relationship values. As a result, the article includes a summary as well as a perspective on arranged marriages in India.
Arranged marriage in India has evolved throughout time. Parents or family members in India no longer choose a partner for their kid based on caste, religion, or socioeconomic status (Chattopadhyay & Chattopadhyay, 2019). One of the most important trends in arranged marriage nowadays is modern arranged marriage. Parents still play an important part in selecting a match for their kid in contemporary arranged marriages, but the couple has a greater voice in the ultimate choice. The bride and groom might meet before they married. Several factors contribute to contemporary arranged weddings. Higher education has exposed more young people in India to Western ideals and concepts, which has influenced their marital views (Chattopadhyay & Chattopadhyay, 2019). Young people are becoming more self-assured and aggressive, and they demand a voice in marriage and partner choosing. By linking individuals beyond their local social circle, social media has increased the pool of eligible mates.
Gender roles play a significant part in Indian arranged marriages. Marriages were arranged in order to maintain social and cultural standards, including gender roles. In India, gender norms and expectations continue to define arranged marriage. Women in arranged marriages must bow to their husbands. The bride’s family wanted a groom who could financially support and protect her in conventional arranged weddings. The husband often had complete control over the wife’s life, including her mobility and decision-making. This dynamic has, however, shifted little in modern arranged marriages. Women are increasingly seeking equal partners who value their autonomy. Women now have greater negotiating power in arranged marriages and higher expectations for relationship equality as a result of education and economic independence. As a result, gender norms and expectations have an impact on Indian arranged marriage. While women have acquired greater freedom and influence in marriages, gender norms centered on domestic responsibilities and submission to husbands have not changed. Dowry expectations create a power imbalance that may be problematic for women. Gender norms and expectations will continue to effect Indian homes and people as arranged marriage progresses.
Family dynamics have a role in Indian arranged marriages. In traditional arranged marriages, the family selects a mate for their kid. It is critical to understand how family dynamics influence arranged marriages in India. Arranged marriages often pair people with comparable beliefs and backgrounds. The family will often play a part in bringing appropriate spouses to their son or daughter, and they will be included in the marriage decision-making process. At a formal engagement ceremony, the families may meet and exchange presents. Family honor is crucial to arranged marriages. A child’s behaviors in India have an impact on the family’s honor (Parkin, 2021). By selecting an appropriate mate for their kid, the family preserves their honor. This might place the couple under social and cultural pressure, affecting their relationship. Arranged marriages may be influenced by family honor and riches. Some families pick a spouse who can financially sustain their kid. The partner may feel exploited for their money rather than chosen for who they are, which may generate conflict.
Arranged weddings in India may have a tremendous influence on the participants. While some people like the notion of an arranged marriage, others may be frustrated by their lack of choice and influence over their potential partners. Arranged marriage is a severe disadvantage in that it limits partner choice (Parkin, 2021). The family picks the partner in an arranged marriage. After considering the individual’s preferences, the family makes a decision. This might leave a person feeling gloomy and helpless over their future. Arranged marriages may also place partners under social and cultural pressure. The family may choose a spouse who shares their values and expects the pair to adhere to cultural and religious conventions (Parkin, 2021). Conflict may arise when individuals have opposing viewpoints. Arranged marriages may also harm an individual’s sense of identity. Some individuals believe that their family and community define them. This is detrimental to self-discovery and progress.
As a result, arranged weddings in India have a rich cultural and religious past. Despite the fact that the practice has changed in response to changing social and economic situations, it continues to play an important role in Indian society. Despite criticism, many Indian families still see arranged marriage as a method to ensure compatibility, stability, and security for their children. As India modernizes, arranged marriages are changing. The selection process is influenced by technology and the changing views of younger generations, which prioritize compatibility and similar ideals. Women in arranged marriages are becoming more aggressive in the selection process. Many reasons hamper the future of arranged weddings in India. While the practice is expected to persist in Indian society, it will also change in reaction to changing social and economic realities. As a result, society must continue to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of arranged marriage for Indian families and individuals.
Reference
Chattopadhyay, D., & Chattopadhyay, S. (2019). Colorism and Love for Fair Skin: Exploring Digitization’s Effect on India’s Arranged Marriage Matrimonial Advertisements. Asian Communication Research. Academia. Edu. https://www.academia.edu/download/59193419/ACR_COLORISM_ACCEPTED_VERSION20190509-49205-18ro0qf.pdf
Parkin, R. (2021). Arranged marriages: Whose choice and why? Reflections on the principles underlying spouse selection worldwide. History and Anthropology, 32(2), 271–287. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02757206.2021.1905255
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