Essay On The Dowry System | Dahej Pratha Par Nibandh
Introduction:
Since ancient times, the dowry system is started in our society as well as in many other societies of the world. It started as helping daughters become self-dependent and financially independent as they begin their lives in a new place after marriage. But as time goes on, it became a disgusting practice rather than helping women.
In our country India, the dowry system is gradually increasing. Even in today's modern era, the dowry system has spread like a curse in the country. Even today, at the birth of the daughter most parents get worried. There is no worry about how to get the girl to study? Worries are about how to get the marriage done, how to collect dowry for marriage?
When Dowry System In India Started?
What is the history of dowry? It is very difficult to say. In this context, it can be said that dowry is very old. In Treta Yuga, King Shri Janak presented a lot of money and gifts in the form of dowry. After this, in Dwapar Yuga, Kans gave a lot of money, clothes, etc. as dowry to his sister Devaki. Then in the Kali-yuga, the dowry system has taken a very broad place in society.
Marriage was considered to be a religious bond in which two families met. At that time, the girl's parents used to give the dowry as accessories for the girl, which was kept by the boy's house without any greed. But as time passed and the evils of society like Sati-Pratha, Jati-Pat in Hindu society, the dowry system also took the form of a trade.
Effect Of Dowry System:
Today, the dowry system has taken a very cruel form in the 21st century. This is also the case, if there is some shortage in dowry at the time of marriage, some people go back without marrying. Even if they get married by mistake, the life of the girl is passed through hell or the girls are divorced with some wrong excuse.
This system sows poison seeds in the sweet relationship of married families and internally forces the couples to break up. The girls are badly affected by this system. This makes many housewives fall victim to physical and mental illnesses. This system reduced the importance of the female in society.
Dowry Is A Curse For Society:
Dowry is the system of giving gifts to the groom and his family in the form of cash, property, and other assets that can be called a curse for women. Dowry has led to many crimes against women. Here is a look at various problems that arise from this practice for the women and her family members:
The Financial Burden On The Family:
Every girl's parents start saving for her marriage since her birth. They save many years for marriage because in the matter of marriage, from the decoration to the catering, it is their responsibility. In addition to this, they are required to give huge amounts of gifts to the groom, his family, and his relatives. Some people borrow money from their relatives and friends while others borrow from the bank to meet these demands.
Corruption
The person in whose house the daughter is born has no choice but to give dowry and avoid organizing a marriage ceremony. They have to deposit money for their girl's wedding and these people start to conduct some business activities through many corrupt means such as taking a bribe, stealing tax, or improper means.
Emotional Stress For Girl
Mother-in-law often compares the gifts brought by her daughter-in-law to other brides around her and making her feel down. Girls often feel emotionally stressed due to this and suffer from mental depression.
Physical Torture
While some families have made a habit of mistreating their daughter-in-law and never miss an opportunity to humiliate her, some families do not lag in physically exploiting their daughter-in-law. Many cases are exposed from time to time for killing and burning women due to their inability to meet the huge demand for dowry.
Female Foeticide
A girl is always seen as a burden to the family. It is the dowry system that has given birth to female feticide. Many couples have also opposed female feticide. In India, the cases of leaving a newborn girl unclaimed have also been commonly reported.
Possible Ways To End The Dowry System
Despite the laws made by the government, the dowry system still has a stronghold in society. Here are some solutions to eliminate this problem:
Education
Lack of education is one of the main contributors to social systems like dowry system, caste discrimination, and child labor. People should be educated to promote logical and reasonable thinking to get rid of such belief systems that give rise to such bad practices.
Women Empowerment
Instead of looking for a well-established groom for their daughters and investing all their savings on a daughter's wedding, people should spend money on their daughter's education and make them dependent on themselves. Women should continue to work even after their marriages.
Gender Equality
Gender inequality that originally existed in our society is one of the main reasons for the dowry system. From a very young age, children should be taught that both men and women have equal rights and no one is superior or inferior to each other.
Also, various campaigns should be organized to sensitize the issue and make the laws prescribed by the government more stringent.
Conclusion:
Dowry is the great stigma of humanity. To wash it off, the cooperation of society and government (governance) is required. The role of society can be important through social organizations, women's organizations, etc. Along with the system of dowry-victimized individuals, especially educated girls themselves, they should spread public awareness to uproot it.
Due to the dowry system, the woman caste has had to endure many types of atrocities. Today we have to take this message to every house that taking dowry is a sin and giving is not right. Today, we have to swear together that we will uproot the caste system and make India an advanced peaceful country.