- Define dowry, tradition and explain how it degenerated into demand and bargain of money for marriage.
<u>Dowry </u>is the money (it can come in the form of money, cars, buildings, expensive gems etc.) you give to the bridegroom's family as a gift for marrying the bride. This tradition started a long time back but still continues. It was originally given as a sign of happiness & extreme gratefulness. However, now dowry is sometimes demanded by the groom's family & the women are bargained for money. They threaten to hurt or not marry the woman if they don't receive enough money. This has lead to immense disputes by feminists. Now the act of dowry is illegal & prohibited in many countries. But, it still takes place between many families. It's been high time since dowry should be stopped & people realize that women are more than just mere & poor maidens.