Traditional Arranged Marriages in India: Background

Before understanding arranged marriages in India, it is vital to understand the context and background of traditional arranged marriages. Arranged marriages in India have been around since 1500 BC and most likely even before that. The process of arranged marriage is complicated because there are so many factors that go into consideration before a spouse is chosen. There are many factors and aspects that revolve around family life, society, and follow the rule of never marrying someone from another caste.

 

This image shows an arranged couple of high status. 

 

Brief History of Marriage in India 

The history of arranged marriages in India dates all the way back to the Vedic times, when arranged marriages were the preferred method of marriage. In these times the approval of the bride and groom was usually taken into consideration. Families of very high status would hold gatherings for potential spouses of the same status to look for matches. Big weddings and even eloping were common. Around 500 B.C. the Vedic culture changed form into Hindu culture, when traditional arranged marriage practices were created. The Hindu’s had a religious outline that stated the do’s and don’t of society called The Manu Smriti. This outline stated  the do’s and don’t of rights, duties, laws, virtues, and the code of conduct,  to be practiced by people when it came to family life ( History and Evolution ). This outline changed marriage in India, putting expectations of society in place when it comes to marriage like caste, dowry, status of families, and consent of the female in marriage. These standards then became apparent in society between people in India, and especially between Hindus.

Factors that Shape Arranged Marriage in India  

 

Family life, society, and caste are three important aspects of arranged marriages in India. 

 

Family Life, Society, and the Caste system in India are the main aspects that shape the arranged marriage process in India, and are the origin of where expectations and standards surrounding arranged marriage originated. All three categories listed above all influence arranged marriages, and they are all connected to each other.

 

This image is of a traditional arranged marriage ceremony.

 

There are many societal standards and expectations that are considered social norms when it comes to arranged marriages. These expectations, along with many other factors, are important to parents when choosing a potential spouse for their child, so that they will be more respectable in society.