India defines diversity, so diversity is seen in every aspect of Indian life, starting from food and clothing to customs and traditions. It is also reflected in Indian weddings. In Indian society, marriage is a highly sacred institution. Marriage has been 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 only happen between two people but is the union of two families between which a strong bond is created. 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 Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Wedding Customs in Ancient India Polyandry and polygyny types of marriage prevailed in ancient times and is still evident in some religions. It was believed that marriage bought two semi distinct lives together and after marriage husband and wife were not considered different entities but were considered one soul. The main function of marriage was the continuity of the race by producing children and transmitting cultural heritage. There were several factors for selecting a groom such as intelligence, wealth, good character, etc. There are some factors on the basis of which brides were selected, for example the girl had to be endowed with beauty, intelligence, good family, absence of diseases and possessions. of a brother. Inter-caste marriages were permitted during ancient times. Marriage could take place between lower-caste women and upper-caste men, but vice versa was not permitted. The custom of dowry did not prevail in ancient times as the groom takes away the bride realizing that she would be deprived of her family. So he couldn't think of asking for dowry or donation. On the contrary, it was the groom's duty to provide gifts to the bride and her parents. After marriage the girl has to renounce her father's gotra and adopt that of her husband. A boy could marry only after completing his Vedic studies. The minimum age of marriage for boys was 20 and the minimum age for girls was 15. The society was patriarchal but the status of women was better than at later ages as women were given education, freedom of movement, Niyoga and remarriage of widows, child marriage prevailed. and the sati system were absent. Divorce was allowed under very special conditions, it was rarely seen in practice. Wedding Customs in Medieval India In the medieval period, the position of women deteriorated. In the Middle Ages marriage was not based on love, most marriages were a form of political arrangement. Divorce rates were low as people considered divorce to be the biggest stain on 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 on who will marry lies with the bride's parents. Such marriages were supported by the power of money. The family of the girl who was to be married would give a dowry, or donation, to the boy who was to be married. The dowry would be presented to the groom at the time of marriage. It was during the medieval period that the practice of dowry began. Marriages were strictly according to rituals and the ceremonies were very formal and the main intention was to please the boy's family. Boys and girls were not allowed to meet before marriage. They only saw each other on the wedding day. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a.