India defines diversity, thus diversity is visible in every aspect of Indian life, from food and clothing to customs and traditions. This is also reflected in Indian weddings. In Indian society, marriage is a highly sacred institution. Marriage is a very important part of Indian society. Marriage is a legalized union between a man and a woman, it is a socially recognized and approved relationship. Marriage does not take place only between two people but is the union of two families with a strong bond created between them. Over time, different rituals have evolved according to different religions and cultures. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Marriage Customs in Ancient India In ancient times, polyandry and polygamy types of marriage were prevalent and this is still evident in some religions. It was believed that marriage purchased two half-separate lives and that after marriage, the husband and wife were not seen as different entities, but as one soul. The main function of marriage was the continuity of the race by bearing children and transmitting cultural heritage. There were several factors to select a groom, such as intelligence, wealth, good morals, etc. There are certain factors based on which the brides were selected, such as the girl should be blessed with beauty, intelligence, a good family, freedom from disease and possessions. of a brother. Inter-caste marriages were permitted in ancient times. Marriage could take place between lower caste women and higher caste men, but the reverse was not permitted. The custom of dowry did not prevail in ancient times, as the groom took the bride away realizing that she would be deprived of her family. He could therefore not think of demanding a dowry or a donation. Rather, it was the duty of the groom to give gifts to the bride and her parents. After marriage, the daughter must abandon the gotra of her father and she must adopt the gotra of her husband. A boy was allowed to marry only after completing his Vedic studies. The minimum marriageable age for boys was 20 and the minimum age for girls was 15. The society was patriarchal but the status of women was better than that of later ages as women enjoyed education, freedom of movement, Niyoga and widow remarriage, prevailed and child marriage and sati system were absent. Divorce was permitted under very specific conditions, it was rarely seen in practice. Marriage Customs in Medieval India In medieval times, the situation of women was deteriorating. In medieval times, marriage was not based on love; most marriages were a form of political arrangement. Divorce rates were low because people viewed divorce as the greatest damage to their reputation. Women were not allowed to choose their life partner; Most of the time, women didn't even know who they were going to marry. The decision was in the hands of the bride's parents as to who she would marry. Such marriages were supported by the power of money. The family of the girl who was to marry would give a dowry, or gift, to the boy she married. The dowry would be given to the groom at the time of marriage. It was in medieval times that the practice of dowry began. The weddings were strictly according to the rituals and the ceremonies were very formal and the main intention was to please the.