The dowry system, a deep-rooted social evil in Indian society, continues to claim lives and dreams—even in the 21st century. While India has made significant strides in technology, education, and women’s rights, certain traditional practices like dowry remain disturbingly relevant. The recent tragic death of Vaishnavi Hagvane in Pune has once again brought this dark custom into public focus. However, this case is not an isolated one. It is a reflection of the persistent mindset that continues to see women as a financial burden and marriage as a transaction.
The Origins: From Gift to Greed
The dowry system in India traces its roots to ancient times when it was a voluntary act of giving gifts, known as stridhan, to a bride to secure her financial future. However, over centuries, this practice became a mandatory demand, often used to reinforce patriarchal control. In modern India, dowry has transformed into a coercive custom, perpetuating gender inequality and commodifying women in the marriage market.
The Silent Crisis: Dowry-Linked Abuse in Maharashtra
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Maharashtra has consistently reported thousands of cases of cruelty against women by husbands and in-laws each year. In 2021 alone, 8,024 such cases were registered under IPC Section 498A—up from 6,729 in 2020. Cities like Mumbai and Pune are not immune to this issue. In Mumbai, 458 cases were registered in 2024 involving abuse over dowry, with 126 already reported in the first three months of 2025. These figures barely scratch the surface, as many cases remain unreported due to stigma, family pressure, or lack of legal awareness.
Marriage or Marketplace?
Dowry was originally meant as a voluntary gift to help newlyweds start their life. Over time, this custom morphed into a greedy, transactional demand—cars, cash, jewellery, real estate. Families of brides are expected to offer substantial amounts, often pushing them into debt. For many families, especially in rural Maharashtra, these demands lead to severe financial strain. Parents often take loans at high interest rates or sell their land to meet these expectations, plunging them into debt. This economic burden also fuels the preference for male children, contributing to female foeticide and gender imbalance in society.
A daughter is not a commodity. She is a cherished member of the family, nurtured and raised with love and care. Parents today ensure their daughters receive the best education and are financially independent—then why must they be subjected to humiliation and bargaining at the time of marriage?
The Human Cost: Real Lives, Real Pain
While we choose not to delve deeply into Vaishnavi’s case out of respect for privacy, her story is a painful reminder of how deep the dowry mentality runs, even in educated households. The pressure of dowry doesn’t just affect women physically—it takes a deep psychological toll. Constant taunts and harassment over dowry can lead to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. For parents, the fear of being unable to ‘afford’ a good match for their daughter often causes immense stress, perpetuating a cycle of shame and guilt. It’s time to stop normalising these ‘customary expectations’ as part of Indian culture. Culture evolves—and this aspect must be left behind.
The Role of Education and Urbanisation
While education and urbanisation have empowered many women to speak out against dowry, paradoxically, they have also inflated dowry demands in some cases. In urban areas like Pune and Mumbai, grooms with high-paying jobs or professional degrees often command higher dowries, turning marriage into a status symbol. Education alone is not enough—it must be paired with a shift in mindset to truly dismantle this system.
A Shared Responsibility: Changing the Narrative
Dowry is not just a women’s issue. It is a societal issue. The change must come from both ends:
- For Boys and Their Families: Reject the idea of accepting any form of dowry. Marry for love, respect, and equality—not wealth. Teach sons to value women as partners, not property.
- For Girls and Their Families: Empower daughters to walk away from dowry-seeking alliances. Support them emotionally and financially. Let them know their worth is not defined by what they bring to a marriage.
- For Society: Celebrate marriages where dowry was refused. Promote stories of equality and respect. Across Maharashtra, grassroots movements are gaining momentum to challenge dowry norms. Organisations like the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS) conduct awareness campaigns to promote dowry-free marriages. Strengthen legal enforcement and ensure that those who harass women for dowry are punished.
The Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961 was a landmark law aimed at curbing this practice, but enforcement remains weak. Many cases are settled out of court due to social pressure, and the stigma of legal battles often deters women from seeking justice.
Looking Forward: A New Vision for Indian Marriages
In a progressive India, where women are CEOs, astronauts, and decision-makers, why should they still be treated as burdens when it comes to marriage? The youth of this country must lead the way in rewriting what marriage means—one of mutual respect, love, and partnership. Community leaders, religious institutions, and local governments should promote dowry-free marriages through incentives like public recognition or financial support for couples who reject dowry. Schools and colleges can introduce gender sensitivity programs to teach young boys and girls about equality in relationships.
Every life lost to dowry is a stain on our collective conscience. Let us not wait for another Vaishnavi to remind us of the urgency to change. Let’s raise daughters who are fearless—and sons who are fair.
