Dowry system in India

The dowry system in India refers to the durable goods, cash, and real or movable property that the bride's family gives to the groom, his parents and his relatives as a condition of the marriage. Dowry is called "दहेज" in Hindi and as جہیز in Urdu.

Traditionally, dowry served as the inheritance for the daughter, as her relationship was seen as severed with her parents at the time of marriage, and is sometimes negotiated as consideration or a 'status equalizer' between the marrying families, often as a means upward mobility. However, the system can put great financial burden on the bride's family. In some cases, asks for dowry has led to crimes against women, ranging from emotional abuse and injury to even deaths. The payment of dowry has long been prohibited under specific Indian laws including the Dowry Prohibition Act 1961 and Sections 304B and 498A of the Indian Penal Code. These laws have long been criticized as being ineffective, as well as prone to misuse.