Dowry, once a tradition of care and financial security for women, has evolved into a deadly practice in India, claiming thousands of lives annually. Despite laws and awareness campaigns, the problem persists, with women facing harassment, abuse, and even murder due to dowry demands. It is crucial that we take collective action to combat this social evil and promote gender equality.

Marriage, which bonds two souls together, leads to a lot of happiness and joy, where everyone appears happy and prosperous. But behind the scenes, an exchange is taking place. An exchange, known only to the bride’s father and brother, has taken years of hard work. Was it a gift, as society calls it, or was it a demand? A demand, but what demand? A demand whispered in hushed tones, that became the price for that perfect day. It was not an ordinary deal; it was a curse—it was dowry.

Dowry in India dates back centuries and was initially intended as a form of inheritance for daughters, as women often did not have direct property rights in patriarchal societies. It provided the bride with financial security when moving to her husband’s household. However, this tradition shifted from one of care to a highly exploitative practice.

As mentioned earlier, dowry was used as a tradition of care and for good purposes, but over time, dowry demands increased and became a precondition for marriage. Dowry began to depend on the groom’s status, such as income, caste, education, and profession. It became a common practice in Northern India, in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan. As this goodwill tradition became an entrenched social obligation, it led to deadly consequences such as suicides, harassment, and domestic violence, and ultimately became a tool for oppression.

According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), around 7,000 to 8,000 women die annually due to dowry-related violence, including suicides as well as murders—an average of 20 deaths per day. In Jammu and Kashmir, in 2021 alone, 18 deaths were reported due to dowry-related issues. Cases of mental and physical harassment became common, especially in Srinagar.

A case study conducted in September 2020 by a student of Amar Singh College, Simrandeep Kouar, later published in Kashmir Reader, documented various cases of dowry-related abuses faced by women due to dowry demands. According to the study, some cases are as follows:

Iqra Jan (name changed for privacy) is a 30-year-old clerk from Bemina, Srinagar. Within a few days after her marriage, she was subjected to demands for some portion of her salary and her gold ornaments. Accused of being infertile and facing her husband’s extramarital affair, Iqra’s life became a daily struggle, demonstrating how dowry demands can quickly escalate into severe emotional and physical abuse.

Rafia (name changed for privacy) from Safa Kadal, married to a businessman, also faced dowry demands. Even though she had more education than her spouse, she felt compelled to sell land and provide extra money from her family. The abuse worsened after the birth of her daughter, leading Rafia to secure a divorce after a lengthy court battle. Her experience highlights the extreme financial and emotional distress inflicted by dowry practices.

A teacher from Sonawar, Ismat (name changed for privacy), found her initially happy marriage marred by disguised dowry demands for household expenses, for which her family was contributing. Ismat’s situation improved after she gave birth to twins. Her case illustrates the long-lasting trauma and challenges many women face due to dowry-related practices.

These figures show us that what was once used as a tradition of care has now become a social evil that has cost many lives and will continue to do so unless measures are taken to stop it.

The Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961 is one of the legal measures the government has put in place to counteract this issue. This act declares giving or receiving dowry an illegal offence, punishable by a fine of up to ₹15,000 and a 5-year prison sentence.

According to Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), a husband or his relatives’ dowry demands and other acts of cruelty can attract up to three years in jail and a fine as decreed by the court.

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, is another law that shields women from dowry-related abuses. Under this act, the victim of domestic abuse may receive a court order providing her with a separate living arrangement and protection from the abuser. She could also receive financial support. The court may also impose a prison sentence on the offender.

Public awareness of the negative effects of dowry payments in marriages is primarily aimed at educational institutions and NGOs, which have a crucial role in opposing dowry cultures and influencing societal changes. In this regard, efforts are made to raise awareness about the disastrous effects caused by dowries. Dramas are also performed, portraying the archaic and dangerous dowry system. The organization J&K Students and Youth Welfare Organization, in association with Government Women’s College Baramulla, launched an “Anti-Dowry” campaign on September 6, 2023. The purpose of this event was to inform students about the negative impacts of dowry and inspire them to oppose the custom. Many other NGOs, such as Breakthrough, Oxfam India, and Save the Children India, have taken action against this curse. They empower women through education and career training, as well as offering victims emotional and legal assistance.

What was once intended to provide women with financial stability has now grown into a harmful tradition with serious consequences. The rise in dowry-related divorces, harassment-related fatalities, and other abuses shows that it requires more attention. Despite the many laws and efforts by various organizations, the ground reality remains grim. Legislation and legal measures are not always effective on the ground, showing that the fight against this curse is still incomplete.

Together, we must fight this scourge by advocating for gender equality and respect, as well as enforcing the laws as they stand. Whether we are teachers, doctors, housewives, or labourers, we all have a responsibility to set an example for our children by modelling equality and respect from an early age. It is our duty to counsel and guide anyone involved in dowry practices toward more civilized customs.

By Yawar Mushtaq

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Yawar Mushtaq