14 Narrative Essay Topics on Arranged Marriages in India
Last update:
Table of contents
If you are writing an essay on arranged marriages in India, you should ground your narrative in personal experiences and observations. To enhance your work, having factual insights can help shape the direction of your essay. However, the core of your narrative should focus on your own stories and interpretations.
Pro tip
Exploring the cultural and historical aspects of arranged marriages requires thorough research and analytical skills. If you need expert assistance in crafting a well-structured paper, our thesis writing service can provide valuable support.
14 Key Facts on Arranged Marriages in India
- Prevalence of Arranged Marriages
Around 90% of marriages in India are arranged, which is significantly higher than the global average. In many cases, divorces in arranged marriages can lead to social stigma and even estrangement from family. - Commitment Over Feelings
Arranged marriages in India prioritize commitment over initial romantic feelings. The belief is that love develops over time through dedication and shared experiences, fostering emotional stability. - Determinants of Successful Marriages
Trust, compatibility, mutual adjustment, and love are critical factors in long-lasting marriages. In arranged marriages, discovering new facets of a partner over time adds intrigue and deepens the bond. - Marriages as Social Contracts
Indian arranged marriages are viewed as contracts where time nurtures affection. This perspective encourages long-term commitment and emotional evolution. - Longevity of Arranged vs. Love Marriages
Studies show that arranged marriages in India tend to sustain love for about 30 years, whereas love marriages often see a decline in affection within five years. - Traditional Gender Roles
Women in India are often raised to excel in domestic skills like cooking and sewing to be considered suitable wives. Marriage is seen as a primary life goal, and failing to marry can bring social shame. - Pre-Marital Meetings
Potential spouses in arranged marriages often meet beforehand to gauge compatibility. If they approve, they enter an engagement period lasting months or a year, similar to dating in Western cultures. - Extended Wedding Celebrations
Traditional Indian weddings last for a week and are funded by the bride’s family. The father provides a dowry as a form of financial security for the bride. - Marriage as a Family Affair
Marriage in India is not just between two individuals but between families. The bride joins her husband’s family, often living in a joint household with extended relatives. - Role of Parents in Matchmaking
Parents, especially fathers, play a crucial role in selecting a spouse for their children. Factors such as caste, religion, and socio-economic status are key considerations. - Astrology’s Role in Matchmaking
Many Indian families consult astrologers to determine compatibility through horoscopes. If the stars do not align, the marriage is often canceled. - Low Divorce Rates
The divorce rate in India is only 2%, significantly lower than the global average of 50%, indicating the cultural emphasis on marital commitment. - Intricate Wedding Rituals
Indian weddings include various religious and social ceremonies with elaborate customs, distinct attire, and henna rituals. - Sacred Hindu Wedding Rituals
The Hindu wedding includes Saat Pheras, where the couple circles a sacred fire seven times, signifying a lifelong bond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of arranged marriages in India?
Arranged marriages are a longstanding tradition that ensures compatibility, family approval, and long-term commitment in Indian society.
How do arranged marriages compare to love marriages?
Studies suggest that arranged marriages tend to have greater longevity and stability compared to love marriages due to cultural and familial support.
What factors influence the choice of a spouse in arranged marriages?
Factors include caste, religion, socio-economic status, education, and astrology-based compatibility assessments.
Why is the divorce rate so low in India?
Cultural expectations, family involvement, and societal pressure contribute to lower divorce rates in India compared to Western nations.
What are some common wedding traditions in India?
Indian weddings include week-long celebrations with religious rituals, astrology-based matchmaking, and traditional family customs.
Conclusion
Arranged marriages in India remain a significant cultural practice with deep-rooted traditions. While the concept may be debated, the high success rate and stability of such marriages highlight their role in Indian society.
References
- Bansal, P. (2015). Arranged marriages losing respect in India? The Times of India.
- Clark-Decès, I. The Right Spouse.
- Kannan, C. (1963). Intercaste and inter-community marriages in India. Bombay: Allied Publishers.
- Mansukhani, A. (2007). I Married a Total Stranger. Marie Claire.
- Myers, J., Madathil, J., & Tingle, L. (2005). Marriage Satisfaction and Wellness in India and the United States: A Preliminary Comparison of Arranged Marriages and Marriages of Choice. Journal Of Counseling & Development, 83(2), 183-190.
- Pande, R. (2014). I arranged my own marriage: Arranged marriages and post-colonial feminism. Gender, Place & Culture, 22(2), 172-187.
- Reddy, V., & Yogasri Srinivas, V. (1978). Marriages in India. Gurgaon: Academic Press.
