Dowry and Status of Women.

Name of Author : Dr. Tank Manisha Kishor

Abstract: Dowry is anything given in cash or kind to the son-in-law and his parents before, during, or, after the marriage. If unfulfilled, it may lead to harassment or pressures on the bride and her family. Dowry does not merely mean what is given at the time of marriage. It often includes the enormous expenses incurred on travel, entertainment of the bridegroom’s party, and the conduct of public ceremony. It is considered to be compensation for the lower economic value of women not working or employed. Dowry is monetary compensation for the maintenance of the girl. Dowry harassment and deaths are indicators of the low status of women in India, it is an all pervasive, deep-rooted and age old custom. In India dowry has been a persistent problem. It has deeply demoralized the position of women in the society, lowered her prestige and dignity. The death of women in the forms of strangulation, committing culpable homicide, ill-treatment, physical violence and mental harassment leading to suicide, all these for not bringing sufficient dowry are commonly noticed and reported.

Keywords : Dowry, streeidhan, women status

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