What's the Bride-Price?

The dowry system has been in place even before the written record and has been followed across the world.

It was originally introduced with an honourable intention. The point of dowry system was to provide for the independent wealth of the bride in a time when she was unlikely to work outside of the home.

In other words, it was provided for the bride, should something unfortunate occur with her husband such as death or divorce. However, like many customs and traditions, it has been altered in its original meaning and purpose.

While the system is still in place, it has become a "bride-price" system.

Today, the parents of the girl must give a respectable amount as dowry depending on the family's standing in the society. If a good dowry is not made, then the girl is most unlikely to have a good "match".

Click here to read How to Protect your Streedhan.

The Good Side

In most families, the dowry or streedhan is of practical use. More often than not, the bride's dowry gets absorbed into the household for the greater good of the family such as purchasing household goods. Therefore, many do not see anything wrong in this system since it aids the bride as well.

The Dark Side

The dark side involves the groom's family using the entire dowry amount for their own means. It does not benefit the bride at all. And of course, if the demands are not met, it results in subsequent harassment and torture of the bride including murder.