Maratha Community and Dowry.
Maratha Community & DowryDowry
System in India – A Brief Overview
The dowry system is a social practice where the bride’s family gives money, gifts, or property to the groom’s family during marriage. Though illegal under Indian law (Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961), it is still prevalent in many communities across India, including some parts of the Maratha Samaj.
🔸 Maratha Samaj – Social Context
The Maratha community is a dominant and influential group mainly found in
Maharashtra, with historical roots in warrior and agrarian backgrounds.
Traditionally, gotra, kul, and varna considerations are important in
matchmaking.
The community is broadly divided into 96 Kuli Marathas (Shahānnau Kuli) and
other subgroups, which can influence social practices, including marriage
customs.
🔸 Dowry in Maratha Marriages
While dowry is not a religious or core traditional requirement in Maratha
customs, it has become a part of social practice over time, especially in rural
or conservative settings. Here’s how:
✅ Traditional Aspects
In many traditional Maratha families, Kanyadaan (gift of the daughter) was once
considered the main symbolic offering, with no emphasis on monetary dowry.
Instead, the bride's family would offer useful gifts like clothes, utensils, or
a few ornaments, often based on their financial capability.
❌ Modern Dowry Influence
Due to social pressure and rising material expectations, dowry practices have
infiltrated even the Maratha community, especially in higher-income or
politically influential families.
It may involve:
Cash demands
Vehicles or real estate
Gold or luxury items
Status symbol: Giving a lavish dowry is sometimes seen as enhancing the
family's social status, which encourages competition among families.
🔸 Legal & Social Trends
Legally, dowry is banned, and giving or taking dowry is punishable.
Maratha youth, especially urban and educated segments, are increasingly
rejecting dowry practices.
Several social organizations within the Maratha community actively campaign
against dowry and promote simple and egalitarian marriages.
🔸 Maratha Marriage Rituals (Brief Outline)
Even with modern influences, Maratha weddings often retain their cultural
richness:
Sakharpuda – Engagement ceremony.
Kelvan & Haldi – Rituals before marriage.
Lagna (Wedding ceremony) – Includes Mangalashtaka, tying of the Mangalsutra.
Reception – Social gathering and celebration.
🔸 Conclusion
Dowry is not an inherent Maratha tradition, but like many Indian communities,
the practice has crept into some Maratha marriages due to social status
pressures.
There is a growing movement, especially among progressive Marathas, to reject
dowry and promote equal, respectful marriages.
The
dowry system is a social practice where the bride’s family gives money, gifts,
or property to the groom’s family during marriage. Though illegal under Indian
law (Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961), it is still prevalent in many communities
across India, including some parts of the Maratha Samaj.
🔸 Maratha Samaj – Social Context
The Maratha community is a dominant and influential group mainly found in
Maharashtra, with historical roots in warrior and agrarian backgrounds.
Traditionally, gotra, kul, and varna considerations are important in
matchmaking.
The community is broadly divided into 96 Kuli Marathas (Shahānnau Kuli) and
other subgroups, which can influence social practices, including marriage
customs.
🔸 Dowry in Maratha Marriages
While dowry is not a religious or core traditional requirement in Maratha
customs, it has become a part of social practice over time, especially in rural
or conservative settings. Here’s how:
✅ Traditional Aspects
In many traditional Maratha families, Kanyadaan (gift of the daughter) was once
considered the main symbolic offering, with no emphasis on monetary dowry.
Instead, the bride's family would offer useful gifts like clothes, utensils, or
a few ornaments, often based on their financial capability.
❌ Modern Dowry Influence
Due to social pressure and rising material expectations, dowry practices have
infiltrated even the Maratha community, especially in higher-income or
politically influential families.
It may involve:
Cash demands
Vehicles or real estate
Gold or luxury items
Status symbol: Giving a lavish dowry is sometimes seen as enhancing the
family's social status, which encourages competition among families.
🔸 Legal & Social Trends
Legally, dowry is banned, and giving or taking dowry is punishable.
Maratha youth, especially urban and educated segments, are increasingly
rejecting dowry practices.
Several social organizations within the Maratha community actively campaign
against dowry and promote simple and egalitarian marriages.
🔸 Maratha Marriage Rituals (Brief Outline)
Even with modern influences, Maratha weddings often retain their cultural
richness:
Sakharpuda – Engagement ceremony.
Kelvan & Haldi – Rituals before marriage.
Lagna (Wedding ceremony) – Includes Mangalashtaka, tying of the Mangalsutra.
Reception – Social gathering and celebration.
🔸 Conclusion
Dowry is not an inherent Maratha tradition, but like many Indian communities,
the practice has crept into some Maratha marriages due to social status
pressures.
There is a growing movement, especially among progressive Marathas, to reject
dowry and promote equal, respectful marriages.
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