write essay on dowry system

Essay On Dowry System

Dowry System Essay

500+ words essay on dowry system.

Marriage is a beautiful relationship between two people where they are bonded by love and begin their new life together. In India, there is a custom of giving some gifts either in cash or gold or both before and after the wedding to the bride and the groom out of affection. It is considered as love and blessings for the newly wedded couple that help them in starting their new life. However, during the last three or four decades the Dowry System has become associated with the status of a family. Now, it has become compulsory to give money and gold to the groom’s family. This has given birth to the dowry system. In this essay on the Dowry System, we will highlight the points related to dowry in marriage and how it has affected our society. Moreover, at the end, we have discussed some steps to be taken to stop the dowry system.

Dowry System

Dowry has been conveniently defined as money, goods or estates, which a woman brings to her husband’s home after marriage. The system of dowry in marriages has been haunting our society for a long time. This is a social curse, which has gone unchecked, though time and again it has tormented people in general. Lust for money and acquiring high social status for one’s family has given birth to the social evil called Dowry. It has become the root cause of suicides and murders of brides. Bride burning for want of dowry has become a way of life. Different communities have different marriage customs, but the custom of giving dowry is shared by all the communities.

The dowry system is a great evil that still exists in society. It is an act of discrimination against unmarried girls, whose values are defined based on the prices of their respective dowries. It is an example of greed and selfishness and is a great curse, especially for the parents who belong to the lower middle class. This is the reason why people get depressed and feel cursed at the birth of a daughter. Moreover, the dowry system paves the way for other crimes against women like female foeticide, female infanticides, dowry death, cruelty by husband and his relatives.

How Can the Dowry System be Stopped?

A dowry system is a social stigma that needs to end. Every girl should go to her in-law’s house with pride. In India, every 5 out of 10 families face the dowry system. There are many laws made by the government but the custom of dowry persists in our society. So, there is an urgent need that we all start taking action against it. The first step is to start from our homes. At home, we should treat both boys and girls equally by providing them equal opportunities. We should educate both of them and give them freedom to be fully independent. The upbringing of the girls should not be limited to household work and marriage. In fact, they should be nourished in such a way that they feel free to make their choice, put their demands, ask questions, think openly and have the guts to fulfil their dreams.

There is a need to create awareness campaigns in different sections of society to make people aware of it. The campaign includes voluntary organization, civil marriage, launching of the youth movements etc. Eradicating the dowry practice will give equal rights to women and boost their confidence level. It will help in the growth of the family, society and nation. The sooner the dowry becomes a thing of the past, the better for our society.

Frequently asked Questions on Dowry System Essay

How can we write an effective essay on the dowry-system.

Students need to first understand what and how the Dowry system functions. This will automatically help students to write a descriptive essay.

Why is the Dowry-system an important topic for essay writing?

Students must be informed about such illegal practises happening around them. This will help them become responsible citizens of India.

Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFs

Counselling

Essay on Dowry System for Students and Children

500+ words essay on dowry system.

Dowry system is followed in India since a very long time. Our ancestors started this system for valid reasons but now it is leading to issues and problems in society. In this essay on dowry, we will see what dowry exactly is, how it started, and why it should be stopped now.

History Of Dowry

Dowry system started even before the British period. In those days, society does not use to consider dowry as a “Money” or “Fee” you have to pay to be brides parents.

The idea behind the dowry system was, to make sure the bride will be financially stable after getting married. The intentions were very clear. Brides parents used to give money, land, assets to the bride as a “Gift” to make sure their daughter will be happy and independent after marriage.

But when British rule came into the picture, they restricted women to own any property. Women were not allowed to buy any property, land or assets. Hence, men started owning all the “Gifts” given to the bride by her parents.

This rule changed pure dowry system into a mess! Now parents of the bride were looking at their bride as a source of income. Parents started hating their daughters and wanted only sons. They started demanding money as a dowry. Women were suppressed since they did not have equal rights as men. And since then, grooms parents follow this rule to their advantage.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Why the Dowry System Should be Stopped?

The new dowry system is creating problems in society. Poor parents do not get any groom who will marry their daughter without taking dowry. They have to take “Marriage Loans” to get their daughter married.

Dowry is becoming a nightmare for Women. The cases of infanticide are increasing. Poor parents do not have any other option. They cannot afford to have a girl child, and hence they are intentionally killing infant girl. More than 8000 women are killed because of Dowry!

It is very clear that Dowry is creating violence. Groom’s parents are misusing this pure tradition. And they are not aware that they are misusing it, because they are not educated about the traditional dowry system. Everyone is just following the new dowry system blindly.

Dowry is complete injustice with women and does not give women equal status in society. Because of dowry men will always be superior to women. This is creating a mess and negative environment in society.

Under the Dowry Prohibition Act, taking or giving dowry is a crime and illegal . If you see someone taking or giving dowry then you can lodge a complaint against them.

Dowry system is good unless and until it is considered as a gift given to the bride by her parents. If the groom’s parents are demanding money to get married as a “ Dowry ” then that is completely wrong and illegal.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

Travelling Essay
Picnic Essay
Our Country Essay
My Parents Essay
Essay on Favourite Personality
Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
Essay on Knowledge is Power
Essay on Gurpurab
Essay on My Favourite Season
Essay on Types of Sports

Download the App

CBSE Class 10th
CBSE Class 12th
UP Board 10th
UP Board 12th
Bihar Board 10th
Bihar Board 12th
Top Schools in India
Top Schools in Delhi
Top Schools in Mumbai
Top Schools in Chennai
Top Schools in Hyderabad
Top Schools in Kolkata
Top Schools in Pune
Top Schools in Bangalore

Products & Resources

JEE Main Knockout April
Free Sample Papers
Free Ebooks
NCERT Notes
NCERT Syllabus
NCERT Books
RD Sharma Solutions
Navodaya Vidyalaya Admission 2024-25
NCERT Solutions
NCERT Solutions for Class 12
NCERT Solutions for Class 11
NCERT solutions for Class 10
NCERT solutions for Class 9
NCERT solutions for Class 8
NCERT Solutions for Class 7
JEE Main 2024
MHT CET 2024
JEE Advanced 2024
BITSAT 2024
View All Engineering Exams
Colleges Accepting B.Tech Applications
Top Engineering Colleges in India
Engineering Colleges in India
Engineering Colleges in Tamil Nadu
Engineering Colleges Accepting JEE Main
Top IITs in India
Top NITs in India
Top IIITs in India
JEE Main College Predictor
JEE Main Rank Predictor
MHT CET College Predictor
AP EAMCET College Predictor
GATE College Predictor
KCET College Predictor
JEE Advanced College Predictor
View All College Predictors
JEE Main Question Paper
JEE Main Cutoff
JEE Main Advanced Admit Card
AP EAPCET Hall Ticket
Download E-Books and Sample Papers
Compare Colleges
B.Tech College Applications
KCET Result
MAH MBA CET Exam
View All Management Exams

Colleges & Courses

MBA College Admissions
MBA Colleges in India
Top IIMs Colleges in India
Top Online MBA Colleges in India
MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Score
BBA Colleges in India
XAT College Predictor 2024
SNAP College Predictor
NMAT College Predictor
MAT College Predictor 2024
CMAT College Predictor 2024
CAT Percentile Predictor 2023
CAT 2023 College Predictor
CMAT 2024 Admit Card
TS ICET 2024 Hall Ticket
CMAT Result 2024
MAH MBA CET Cutoff 2024
Download Helpful Ebooks
List of Popular Branches
QnA - Get answers to your doubts
IIM Fees Structure
AIIMS Nursing
Top Medical Colleges in India
Top Medical Colleges in India accepting NEET Score
Medical Colleges accepting NEET
List of Medical Colleges in India
List of AIIMS Colleges In India
Medical Colleges in Maharashtra
Medical Colleges in India Accepting NEET PG
NEET College Predictor
NEET PG College Predictor
NEET MDS College Predictor
NEET Rank Predictor
DNB PDCET College Predictor
NEET Admit Card 2024
NEET PG Application Form 2024
NEET Cut off
NEET Online Preparation
Download Helpful E-books
Colleges Accepting Admissions
Top Law Colleges in India
Law College Accepting CLAT Score
List of Law Colleges in India
Top Law Colleges in Delhi
Top NLUs Colleges in India
Top Law Colleges in Chandigarh
Top Law Collages in Lucknow

Predictors & E-Books

CLAT College Predictor
MHCET Law ( 5 Year L.L.B) College Predictor
AILET College Predictor
Sample Papers
Compare Law Collages
Careers360 Youtube Channel
CLAT Syllabus 2025
CLAT Previous Year Question Paper
NID DAT Exam
Pearl Academy Exam

Predictors & Articles

NIFT College Predictor
UCEED College Predictor
NID DAT College Predictor
NID DAT Syllabus 2025
NID DAT 2025
Design Colleges in India
Top NIFT Colleges in India
Fashion Design Colleges in India
Top Interior Design Colleges in India
Top Graphic Designing Colleges in India
Fashion Design Colleges in Delhi
Fashion Design Colleges in Mumbai
Top Interior Design Colleges in Bangalore
NIFT Result 2024
NIFT Fees Structure
NIFT Syllabus 2025
Free Design E-books
List of Branches
Careers360 Youtube channel
IPU CET BJMC
JMI Mass Communication Entrance Exam
IIMC Entrance Exam
Media & Journalism colleges in Delhi
Media & Journalism colleges in Bangalore
Media & Journalism colleges in Mumbai
List of Media & Journalism Colleges in India
CA Intermediate
CA Foundation
CS Executive
CS Professional
Difference between CA and CS
Difference between CA and CMA
CA Full form
CMA Full form
CS Full form
CA Salary In India

Top Courses & Careers

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)
Master of Commerce (M.Com)
Company Secretary
Cost Accountant
Charted Accountant
Credit Manager
Financial Advisor
Top Commerce Colleges in India
Top Government Commerce Colleges in India
Top Private Commerce Colleges in India
Top M.Com Colleges in Mumbai
Top B.Com Colleges in India
IT Colleges in Tamil Nadu
IT Colleges in Uttar Pradesh
MCA Colleges in India
BCA Colleges in India

Diploma Colleges

Top Diploma Colleges in Maharashtra
UPSC IAS 2024
SSC CGL 2024
IBPS RRB 2024
Previous Year Sample Papers
Free Competition E-books
Sarkari Result
QnA- Get your doubts answered
UPSC Previous Year Sample Papers
CTET Previous Year Sample Papers
SBI Clerk Previous Year Sample Papers
NDA Previous Year Sample Papers

Upcoming Events

NDA Application Form 2024
UPSC IAS Application Form 2024
CDS Application Form 2024
CTET Admit card 2024
HP TET Result 2023
SSC GD Constable Admit Card 2024
UPTET Notification 2024
SBI Clerk Result 2024

Other Exams

SSC CHSL 2024
UP PCS 2024
UGC NET 2024
RRB NTPC 2024
IBPS PO 2024
IBPS Clerk 2024
IBPS SO 2024
Top University in USA
Top University in Canada
Top University in Ireland
Top Universities in UK
Top Universities in Australia
Best MBA Colleges in Abroad
Business Management Studies Colleges

Top Countries

Study in USA
Study in UK
Study in Canada
Study in Australia
Study in Ireland
Study in Germany
Study in China
Study in Europe

Student Visas

Student Visa Canada
Student Visa UK
Student Visa USA
Student Visa Australia
Student Visa Germany
Student Visa New Zealand
Student Visa Ireland
CUET PG 2024
IGNOU B.Ed Admission 2024
DU Admission 2024
UP B.Ed JEE 2024
LPU NEST 2024
IIT JAM 2024
IGNOU Online Admission 2024
Universities in India
Top Universities in India 2024
Top Colleges in India
Top Universities in Uttar Pradesh 2024
Top Universities in Bihar
Top Universities in Madhya Pradesh 2024
Top Universities in Tamil Nadu 2024
Central Universities in India
CUET Exam City Intimation Slip 2024
IGNOU Date Sheet
CUET Mock Test 2024
CUET Admit card 2024
CUET PG Syllabus 2024
CUET Participating Universities 2024
CUET Previous Year Question Paper
CUET Syllabus 2024 for Science Students
E-Books and Sample Papers
CUET Exam Pattern 2024
CUET Exam Date 2024
CUET Cut Off 2024
CUET Exam Analysis 2024
IGNOU Exam Form 2024
CUET 2024 Exam Live
CUET Answer Key 2024

Engineering Preparation

Knockout JEE Main 2024
Test Series JEE Main 2024
JEE Main 2024 Rank Booster

Medical Preparation

Knockout NEET 2024
Test Series NEET 2024
Rank Booster NEET 2024

Online Courses

JEE Main One Month Course
NEET One Month Course
IBSAT Free Mock Tests
IIT JEE Foundation Course
Knockout BITSAT 2024
Career Guidance Tool

Top Streams

IT & Software Certification Courses
Engineering and Architecture Certification Courses
Programming And Development Certification Courses
Business and Management Certification Courses
Marketing Certification Courses
Health and Fitness Certification Courses
Design Certification Courses

Specializations

Digital Marketing Certification Courses
Cyber Security Certification Courses
Artificial Intelligence Certification Courses
Business Analytics Certification Courses
Data Science Certification Courses
Cloud Computing Certification Courses
Machine Learning Certification Courses
View All Certification Courses
UG Degree Courses
PG Degree Courses
Short Term Courses
Free Courses
Online Degrees and Diplomas
Compare Courses

Top Providers

Coursera Courses
Udemy Courses
Edx Courses
Swayam Courses
upGrad Courses
Simplilearn Courses
Great Learning Courses

Dowry System Essay in English

The Dowry system is one of the longest-standing injustices in Indian society that is connected to marriage. The practice is still common in the 21st century, in both subtle and obvious ways, despite a lot of talk and action against it. Here are a few sample essays on ‘dowry system’.

100 Words Essay On Dowry System

The dowry system in India is a long-standing practice and is deeply rooted in Indian culture. It is a pre-arranged agreement between two families and is usually decided at the time of marriage. The bride’s family provides the groom’s family with various gifts and money. These gifts usually include jewellery, clothes, and cash. Although this system is widely accepted, it has many negative impacts. The most serious consequence is that it leads to gender discrimination. In some cases, the dowry demands from the groom’s family can be so high that it becomes impossible for the bride’s family to meet them. This can lead to the bride’s family facing social discrimination and economic hardship.

200 Words Essay On Dowry System

The Dowry System is a centuries-old practice in India, and it’s still going strong today. A dowry is a gift of money and/or property that a bride’s family gives to her groom’s family on their wedding day. It is usually a payment made in exchange for the groom's family taking care of the bride and providing for her. This system is still very much in practice in India today, and it is often seen as a sign of social status.

The dowry system has its fair share of negative impacts. For starters, the practice encourages a deeply rooted gender inequality. Girls are often seen as a financial burden and families are expected to pay a hefty sum to get their daughter married. This has led to cases of financial exploitation, even in well-off families. Moreover, the pressure to give a large dowry often leads to families falling into debt. This is particularly problematic in rural areas, where many are already struggling to make ends meet. As a result, many girls are deprived of basic necessities such as education and healthcare.

However, there have been several initiatives to fight against the existing dowry system in India. The Government of India has made it illegal to demand a dowry, and non-profit organisations are working hard to make sure that women’s rights are protected.

500 Words Essay On Dowry System

Dowry system is an age-old practice in India which refers to the transfer of property and money from the bride's family to the groom's family. This system is most popular in India and a few other countries. Growing up, most of us have seen or heard of this system. The bride's family suffers because of the dowry system. Many times, the marriage is abruptly called off if the groom’s side's demands for dowry are not met. Furthermore, this system also puts a lot of pressure on the bride’s family, especially on the bride’s father. He is expected to provide the groom’s family with all the gifts and money. This can be a huge financial burden and can lead to the family’s financial instability.

The Indian government act of 1961 forbids individuals from accepting dowry as part of the government's effort to put an end to this abhorrent social practice.

Negative Impact Of Dowry System

Injustice | For the bride's family, the dowry carries a significant financial burden. A girl child is therefore seen as a potential burden and potential financial drain on the family. This viewpoint takes form of female infanticides and foeticides. Girls are frequently marginalised in areas of schooling where boys of the family are given preference. They are subjected to a number of limitations and forced to remain indoors in the name of maintaining family honour. Age is still seen as a measure of purity, which leads to the continued practice of child marriages. The practice is supported by the fact that the amount of dowry rises with the girl's age.

Violence Against Women | Contrary to popular belief, dowry is not always a one-time payment. The husband's family, who sees the girl's family as an endless supply of money, is always making demands. The girl's family's inability to meet further demands often results in verbal abuse, interpersonal violence, and even fatalities. Women endure constant physical and psychological abuse and therefore more at risk of experiencing depression and even attempt suicide.

Financial Burden | Due to the dowry demands made by the groom's family, Indian parents often associate getting a girl married with a substantial sum of money. Families frequently take on large amounts of debt and mortgage homes, which significantly harms their economic health.

Gender Inequality | The notion of paying dowry in order to marry a girl increases the sense of disparity between the sexes, elevating males above women. Young girls are barred from attending school while their brothers are allowed to attend. They are frequently discouraged from taking on occupations since they are seen as unfit for jobs other than household duties. Most of the time, their opinions are silenced, ignored, or treated with disrespect.

To combat the unjust practise of dowry, India as a nation needs to drastically alter its current mindsets. They must understand that in today's world, women are perfectly capable of performing any task that males are capable of. Women themselves must abandon the notion that they are subordinate to men and must rely on them to take care of them.

Applications for Admissions are open.

Aakash iACST Scholarship Test 2024

Get up to 90% scholarship on NEET, JEE & Foundation courses

ALLEN Digital Scholarship Admission Test (ADSAT)

JEE Main Important Physics formulas

As per latest 2024 syllabus. Physics formulas, equations, & laws of class 11 & 12th chapters

PW JEE Coaching

Enrol in PW Vidyapeeth center for JEE coaching

PW NEET Coaching

Enrol in PW Vidyapeeth center for NEET coaching

JEE Main Important Chemistry formulas

As per latest 2024 syllabus. Chemistry formulas, equations, & laws of class 11 & 12th chapters

Download Careers360 App's

Regular exam updates, QnA, Predictors, College Applications & E-books now on your Mobile

Certifications

We Appeared in

Talk to our experts

1800-120-456-456

Dowry System Essay for Students in English

Download Important Essay on Dowry System for Students in English Free PDF from Vedantu

The Dowry system in India has been running for a long time. It is the money that is given during marriage to the boy or their family, even property can also be included in dowry. The system of dowry started in ancient times during marriage the money will be given to the groom so that he can take proper care of his bride, it was used to honor both sides of the family. As time changes dowry still remains in society but its significance keeps changing with time.

Nowadays, the dowry system is becoming like a business for some castes. The Dowry system is becoming a burden for the bride’s family. Many times if demand is not fulfilled for the boy's side then the marriage is abruptly canceled as a result of this failure. If we see it in our Asian country, then dowry is becoming more important for the groom's side, mainly in countries like India. To end this heinous social practice, the government has made a law to refrain people from taking dowry under the Act of 1961.

Whatever money or property given by the bride side they should accept but it never followed. In many places, we come to know that because of not doing so on the groom's side the girls are harmed in such a way that sometimes even it leads to death. Some people even think dowry is like crime, it's illegal and they never ask anything from the bride's family.

In India, everyone speaks and progresses for women's rights and says ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ but a girl even after achieving everything in her life; where starts taking care of her family but even then she can't escape the shackles of dowry. Sometimes because of dowry which is mostly prevalent among the below poverty line people, they kill their daughters after they are born or before their birth in the mother’s womb itself so that they can escape dowry. Since they know after growing up and educating her, they still need to give dowry in order to get her married. However, one fails to understand that it is not a daughter’s fault for which she is being wrongfully punished but the fault of the society that allows such practices even after so many years of independence.

The History of Dowry

The dowry system predates the British period and colonization in India. In those days, dowry was not considered "money" or a "fee" that the Bride's parents had to pay. One of the fundamental purposes of dowry was it acted as a form of protection for the wife against the ill-treatment by her husband and his family. Dowry also served as a helping hand for the bride and the groom to build a life together after marriage.

When British authority came into effect, however, women were barred from owning any property. Women were not permitted to purchase any real estate, land, or assets. As a result, males began to possess all of the "Gifts" provided to the Bride by her parents.

During the British Raj, the dowry system was made mandatory leading to immense pressure on the bride’s family financially. Dowry violence has become a prominent aspect that can be observed till date. The husband or his family use violence as a method to extract money from the bride’s family as a “gift.” This system leads to women being dependent on their husbands or in-laws after their marriage.

What are the Effects of the Dowry System?

Gender Stereotyping: Women are frequently viewed as liabilities due to the dowry system. They are frequently subjected to subordination and second-class treatment in terms of education and other amenities.

Affecting a Women's Career: The lack of women in labour, and thus their lack of financial independence, is the greater context for the practice of dowry. The poorer sectors of society send their daughters out to work to help them save money for their dowry. While most middle and upper-class families send their girls to school, they do not prioritize job opportunities.

Objectifying Women: Today's dowry is more equivalent to a financial investment by the Bride's family to get access to powerful connections and lucrative business possibilities. As a result, women are reduced to commodities.

Crime Against Women: Domestic violence includes the violence and murders related to dowry demands. Physical, mental, economic violence, and harassment as a way of enforcing compliance or punishing the victim are all utilized in dowry-related offenses, similar to domestic violence.

How to tackle the Social Evil of Dowry?

The dowry system is a social taboo that must be abolished. Every girl should be proud to visit her in-laws. In India, the dowry system affects 5 out of 10 families. Although the government has enacted numerous regulations, the practice of dowry continues to exist in our society. As a result, we all must begin taking action to combat it. Starting from our own homes is the first step. At home, both boys and girls should be treated similarly and given equal opportunity. Both of them should be educated and given the freedom to be completely self-sufficient. Education and freedom are the two most powerful and valuable gifts that parents can give to their daughters. Only education will allow her to be financially secure and a valuable family member, earning her respect and suitable family standing. As a result, the best dowry a father can bestow on his daughter is an excellent education, guidance, and motivation to pursue her aspirations.

Another thing that needs to be done is make suitable legal amends. No one can implement a law without the people's full cooperation. Enacting a law, without a doubt, establishes a pattern of behavior, engages social conscience, and aids social reformers in their efforts to repeal it. The system must give more moral value-based education to the common people to extend their brains and perspectives.

Society should strive for gender equality. States should evaluate gender-disaggregated data across the life cycle — birth, early childhood, primary education, nutrition, livelihood, access to healthcare, and so on — to counteract gender disparities. Widening childcare and ensuring safe public transit is vital in decreasing workplace bias and establishing supportive work cultures. Men and women should have equal domestic chores and responsibilities.

What do People think of the Dowry System?

Dowry is like a suicidal bag for many people who are not very strong financially. It should be completely stopped from all the country wherever it is followed. The government needs to take action in this so that no more crime takes place. In the modern era of India where people are reaching everywhere and achieving many things but still in many populations our thinking against dowry is the same.

The Dowry system varies from state to state and also on the job profile of the groom. If we see in the north part of the country the groom having a government job, doctor or engineer then dowry is huge in terms of money, and whereas in the south part of the country, the bride is forced to give dowry in terms of land, jewellery, and money. It can be simply stated that if you can arrange a huge dowry you can get any groom for your daughter which is ethically and morally wrong. In ancient times. dowry was taken only from upper-caste families but now it is becoming a universal practice where everyone is forced to give dowry. In India, marriage is a big affair where both sides of the family call all the relatives and have to arrange everything from the beginning till the end of the marriage ceremony. It doesn't matter whether the bride is educated or not, they are still expected and forced in a way to give dowry for marriage. Though some may say that dowry is an involuntary act, in reality, it is voluntarily forced upon the bride’s family by the groom’s parents.

Dowry is giving rise to a lot of crimes in India. In some families, dowry is used as a threat or as a means to extract money from the bride's family irrespective of their financial condition. The north and east part of India show a high rate of dowry-related cases, many families subject the bride to domestic violence if their demands are not fulfilled. They will continue to abuse or threaten the bride at the hands of the husband or his family which unfortunately results in suicide. Nowadays, one can say that the groom's parents take dowry as a means of business from the bride's family. The dowry system is a problem for all families irrespective of their financial condition. Families might get any suitable groom to marry their daughter without giving dowry, it clearly shows that the dowry system is prevalent in the society and people are taking undue advantage of it under the garb of traditions.

The dowry that is taken by the groom’s side should be stopped everywhere, then only the country will be developed and the daughters can be independent. Dowry is also called ‘Dahej’ in Arabic, if it is given by the bride's side without any enforcement then only it is called a gift, else it becomes a crime. If the dowry system is completely wiped out then any bride's father will not have any burden and there will be no killing of girls after or before birth.

Dowry should be in the interest of the bride's family, not on demand by the groom's family. Dowry was made for the security of the bride to their new family where she marries and goes but over time people have changed its meaning to meet their needs. Let us all make endeavors to end this heinous social practice and safeguard our daughters and their bright futures. The important takeaway here is that parents should have the choice to happily give whatever they may desire to their daughters and nothing should be forced upon them in the name of traditions.

FAQs on Dowry System Essay for Students in English

1. What are the different ways one can control and put an end to the dowry system in India?

To control and eventually put an end to the dowry system here are a few steps:

Educate your daughters.

Motivate your daughter to be independent and responsible enough to carry out her own work.

Encourage gender equality.

Do not encourage either taking or giving of dowry

2. What led to the dowry system in India?

During British time the practice of the dowry system was introduced and eventually it was made mandatory. In India, the dowry system means giving of cash, precious jewellery, and fulfilling other demands made by the party. Over the years, even after so many years of Independence in India, people changed the meaning of dowry to fit their agenda and to meet their needs under the garb of social traditions.

3. Why should one refer to Vedantu?

All the reading materials at Vedantu are curated by subject-matter experts who have years of experience in the respective field. The content is well-researched and compiled into an easily readable format for the benefit of students. Students can refer to these resources with ease and learn things at their own pace. Most importantly all the content on Vedantu is provided for free and it can be easily downloaded into PDF from both the website and mobile application of Vedantu.

4. How can I download reading material from Vedantu?

Accessing material from Vedantu is extremely easy and student-friendly. Students have to simply visit the website of Vedantu and create an account. Once you have created the account you can simply explore the subjects and chapters that you are looking for. Click on the download button available on the website on Vedantu to download the reading material in PDF format. You can also access all the resources by downloading the Vedantu app from the play store.

5. What are the Ways of Controlling the Dowry System?

To control the dowry system here are various steps:

Educate your daughters.

Motivate your daughter to be independent and responsible enough to carry out their own work .

Encourage gender equality.

Do not encourage of taking or giving of dowry

6. When the Dowry System Started?

During British time the practice of the dowry system has become mandatory, in India dowry system represents as to inform of giving cash like lots of jewellery and other demands offered by the party.

7. What are the Elements of Dowry Deaths?

Here are a few elements mentioned below:

Acid Attack.

Domestic violence.

Women humiliation.

Essay on Dowry System for Students and Children in 1000+ Words

In this article, read an essay on dowry system for students and children in 1000+ words. It includes history, causes, effects, and solution to stop this social evil.

Table of Contents

Essay on Dowry System for Students and Children (1000+ Words)

If you want to know about the dowry system, then let’s start with our country, India , where it has been followed for a long time. Our ancestors started the dowry system for valid reasons; however, these days, this is leading to issues in the social environment.

In this essay about the dowry system, you will find what dowry exactly is, how it got started, and why it needs to be stopped.

History of Dowry System in India

The dowry system started even before Britishers in India. In those days, society doesn’t used to consider this as “Fee” or “Money” that needs to be paid to be the bride’s parents.

The concept behind this was to ensure that the bride will financially be stable after getting married. The intentions then were made clear, and so the bride’s parents used to provide assets, land, or money to the bride as a “Gift” to ensure that their daughter will be independent and happy after marriage.

However, when Britishers came, they restricted women from owning any property and could not buy assets, land, or any property. Therefore, men owned all the gifts given to the bride by her parents.

This rule changed the pure dowry system into a mess. These days bride’s parents are seeking their bride as a source of income. Parents hated their daughters and want only sons, and they demanded money as a dowry.

Women are being suppressed as they don’t have equal rights as men. And so, the groom’s parents follow this rule to their benefit.

Causes of Dowry System in India

1. greed factor .

Dowry demanding often is exemplary of the collective greed of the society. Extortion in the name of compensation, social standing for the cost of groom’s education, his financial stability is the major factor of Indian marriages.

Demands are placed shamelessly and are expected to be met with silence. Threats of withdrawing the proposal loom on the bride’s family head at the cost of losing face in the portion and community of the agreed-upon sum prior to the actual function.

2. Society Structure

Dowry system is entirely the manifestation of the patriarchal nature where men are taken to be in higher level to women in aspects of mental and physical capabilities.

With the backdrop of such a social enforcement structure, women are said to be second-tier citizens, fit to assume only domesticated roles.

This perception associates them being treated as a burden in economic terms, first by the father and then by the husband. This feeling compounded by the dowry system energizes the belief that a girl child is a cause of draining the family’s finances.

3. Religious Dictates

Religious constraints imposed by society on marriage customs are a factor towards dowry issues. These constraints don’t condone inter-religious marriage or between different religious sects, and so limit the number of suitable matches.

Boys of marriageable age with the desired qualifications become a prize that encourages this evil practice to be caught by the highest bidder.

4. Social Constraints

Apart from a similar religious background, some constraints are imposed based on social status and the caste system. Practices such as clan exogamy and caste endogamy have to remember while arranging a match.

Preferred matches must belong to the same or higher social standing, different clan, or same caste. These limitations will deplete the pool of marriageable men leading to consequences, demanding dowry.

5. Social Status of Women

The inferior social-standing of women in Indian society is so deeply rooted in the country’s mind, that this treatment as commodities is accepted with no question, not only by the family rather also by women themselves.

When marriages are viewed as the ultimate achievement for women, evil practices such as dowry takes its root deeper in the social environment.

Effects of Dowry System

1. injustice towards girls.

Dowry bears a significant financial obligation for the family of the bride. As a result, girls have viewed a source of drain on the family finance leading to onus.

This view develops into a gigantic proportion, taking the feticides of girl child and shape of infanticides. Girls are often marginalized in the regions of education, where boys are given more preference.

3. Violence Against Women

Also, read – Speech on women empowerment

Contrary to hopeful parents, dowry is not a onetime pay up. Demands are made by the bride’s family, who consider the girl’s family a never-ending source of finance. Inability by the girl’s family leads to domestic violence, verbal abuse, or even death.

The in-laws are burning brides are hardly a novelty in India. Continuous mental and physical torture instigates women to commit suicide or go into depression.

4. Economic Burden

Getting a girl married is related to a hefty amount of money by Indian parents because of subtle or direct demand for dowry by the groom’s family. Families often borrow heavily, mortgages leading to a major decline in economic health.

5. Gender Inequality

The idea of paying a dowry to get a girl married generates an increased sense of inequality among the genders, placing men superior to women. Girls may not attend schools while their brothers are given access to education.

They are being said as incompetent for roles other than housework and are also discouraged from taking up jobs. Their opinions are ignored, not valued, and suppressed. Behavioral and physical restrictions are imposed on girls that are completely natural for boys.

Why Should the Dowry System be Stopped?

The new dowry system is making problems in a social environment. Poor parents don’t get any groom who will marry their daughter without taking money. They have to take “marriage loans” to get their daughter married.

Further, dowry is getting a nightmare for women. The cases of infanticide are increasing as parents don’t have any other option. They can’t afford to have a girl child, and so they intentionally kill their infant girl child.

Dowry system is creating violence, and the groom’s parents misuse this pure tradition. They are unaware that they’re misusing it because they are uneducated regarding the traditional dowry system. Everyone just follows the new dowry system blindly.

Dowry is a complete injustice to women and doesn’t render her equal status in society. Because of this, men always are superior to women creating a negative and mess around the community.

Under the Dowry Prohibition Act, giving or taking dowry is illegal and is a crime. If you see someone giving or taking a dowry, then you can complain about them.

Also, read – Social problems in India

Solutions to Stop Dowry System

1. strict law.

Different laws are enacted to prohibit dowry and the injustice against girls stemming. The Dowry Prohibition Act was pressed on 20 th May 1961, to eradicate this evil practice from a social environment.

This act declares not only the practice of accepting dowry unlawfully rather also penalizing giving of the same. It includes property, valuable security such as jewelry and cash exchanging hand during the marriage.

2. Enforcement

It is never enough to introduce act and amend sections to fight against dowry. Instead, this needs ruthless and strict enforcement of those laws. This aspect still leaves a lot to be desired.

Even if those allegations are taken seriously by the authorities, lack of proper investigation process often leads to the accused going free. The Govt. must ensure a zero-tolerance policy for such offenders and ensure enforcement of the laws through systematic changes.

3. Social Awareness

Creating a social awareness against dowry is the first step towards eradicating this evil practice. Campaigns must reach the deepest strata of society and aim to spread knowledge about legal provisions against dowry system. There is also a necessity to educate the girl children about this social evil.

4. Overhaul of Mindsets

India, as a country, needs a significant overhaul of its existing mindsets to push back against the evil custom of dowry system. They must realize the fact that in today’s social environment , women can do anything that men can.

Women themselves must come out of the belief that they are inferior to men and must depend on men to provide for them.

The dowry system is sound when one takes it as a gift given to the bride by her parents. If the groom’s parents demand money to get married as a “dowry”, then that is entirely illegal and wrong. Hope you liked this informative essay on dowry system.

Short Essay: Dowry System

Writing an essay on the topic of dowry system requires a comprehensive understanding of its historical, social, and cultural context, as well as a critical analysis of its impact on individuals and society. Dowry, a practice deeply ingrained in many societies, involves the exchange of money, goods, or property from the bride’s family to the groom’s family at the time of marriage. However, this seemingly harmless tradition often leads to various forms of gender-based violence, economic exploitation, and social inequality.

Table of Contents

Dowry System Essay Tips

Understand the Topic: Begin by thoroughly understanding the dowry system. Research its historical origins, cultural significance, and the various forms it takes in different societies. Familiarize yourself with the social, economic, and psychological impact of dowry on individuals and families.

Plan Your Essay: Create an outline to organize your thoughts and structure your essay effectively. Decide on the main points you want to discuss, such as the causes, consequences, and potential solutions related to the dowry system.

Introduction: Start your essay with a compelling introduction that grabs the reader’s attention. Provide a brief overview of the dowry system, its prevalence, and its negative implications. Clearly state the purpose of your essay and the main arguments you will be presenting.

Body Paragraphs: Dedicate separate paragraphs to different aspects of the dowry system. Discuss the root causes, such as social traditions, gender inequality, and economic factors. Explore the consequences, including domestic violence, gender discrimination, and financial burdens on families. Support your points with relevant examples, statistics, and case studies.

Provide Evidence: Back up your arguments with credible sources and evidence. Include data, research findings, quotes from experts, or real-life stories to strengthen your essay’s credibility and persuasiveness.

Offer Solutions: Present potential solutions to address the dowry system. Discuss legal measures, educational campaigns, women’s empowerment initiatives, and societal changes that can help eradicate this harmful practice. Explain how these solutions can promote gender equality, empower women, and create a more equitable society.

Be Objective and Balanced: Maintain an objective tone throughout your essay. Present different perspectives on the dowry system, and address counterarguments if necessary. However, make sure to emphasize the negative consequences and advocate for the need to eliminate the dowry system.

Conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate your thesis statement in the conclusion. Leave the reader with a strong impression by highlighting the importance of eradicating the dowry system and the potential benefits of doing so.

Proofread and Edit: After completing your essay, carefully review it for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Ensure that your ideas flow logically and coherently. Make any necessary revisions to improve clarity and readability.

Seek Feedback: Consider getting feedback from a teacher, professor, or peer. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions to enhance your essay.

Dowry System Essay Example #1

The dowry system, prevalent in many societies, has long been a cause for concern due to its detrimental effects on gender equality and women’s rights. In this essay, we delve into the dowry system, its causes, consequences, and potential solutions.

The dowry system refers to the practice where the bride’s family provides substantial gifts, valuables, or money to the groom’s family at the time of marriage. What was once intended to assist the newlyweds in starting their lives together has transformed into a system of exploitation and inequality. The dowry system is deeply rooted in cultural norms, social expectations, and economic disparities.

One of the primary causes of the dowry system is the persistence of patriarchal traditions and gender-based discrimination. In societies where women are regarded as inferior and dependent, the dowry becomes a means of compensating the groom’s family for accepting the bride into their household. Additionally, dowry is often seen as a way to enhance the social status of the groom’s family, perpetuating the cycle of societal expectations.

The consequences of the dowry system are far-reaching and detrimental. Women who are unable to meet dowry demands often face physical, emotional, and psychological abuse from their husbands and in-laws. The burden of dowry puts immense financial strain on the bride’s family, often leading to debt and poverty. Moreover, the dowry system reinforces gender inequalities, as it implies that women are commodities to be bought and sold, diminishing their worth and agency within marriage.

To combat the dowry system, several measures can be taken. Education plays a vital role in changing societal attitudes and empowering individuals to challenge harmful traditions. Promoting gender equality through comprehensive educational campaigns can help dismantle the deep-rooted beliefs that perpetuate the dowry system. Legal reforms are also crucial to ensure that laws against dowry-related violence and extortion are strictly enforced, providing protection and justice to victims.

Furthermore, women’s economic empowerment is key to breaking the cycle of dependency and exploitation. By providing women with access to education, skill development, and employment opportunities, they can become financially independent and less vulnerable to dowry demands.

In conclusion, the dowry system continues to be a menace to gender equality and women’s rights. It is essential to address the root causes and consequences of this harmful practice. Through education, legal reforms, and economic empowerment, we can strive towards a society that upholds gender equality, respects the dignity of women, and eliminates the dowry system, thereby creating a more just and equitable future for all.

Dowry System Essay Example #2

The dowry system remains a persistent social issue in many societies, deeply entrenched in cultural norms and traditions. This essay explores the dowry system, its historical context, underlying causes, its impact on individuals and society, and potential strategies to address and overcome this harmful practice.

The dowry system refers to the practice of the bride’s family providing substantial gifts, money, or property to the groom’s family during marriage. Originally intended to support the newlyweds, it has evolved into a system of exploitation and inequality. The dowry system varies across cultures and regions, but it consistently perpetuates gender discrimination, reinforces patriarchal norms, and places financial burdens on the bride’s family.

The dowry system is sustained by a combination of factors, including deeply ingrained patriarchal values, societal expectations, and economic factors. Gender inequality, where women are seen as inferior and dependent, fuels the demand for dowry. The consequences of the dowry system are grave and far-reaching, ranging from financial strain and debt to physical and emotional abuse of women, and even dowry-related violence and dowry deaths.

Addressing the dowry system necessitates a multi-faceted approach. Education and awareness campaigns are crucial to challenge traditional beliefs and promote gender equality. Legal reforms must be implemented and enforced to protect women’s rights and penalize dowry-related offenses. Economic empowerment programs can empower women and reduce their vulnerability to dowry demands. Community engagement, involving religious and community leaders, is vital to change mindsets and promote alternative practices that promote equality and respect within marriages.

Overcoming the dowry system requires a collective effort to challenge cultural norms, raise awareness, and implement comprehensive strategies. By promoting education, enforcing legal reforms, and empowering women economically, we can work towards eliminating the dowry system and fostering a society where marriages are based on equality, respect, and mutual consent.

Dowry System Essay Example #3

The dowry system remains a pervasive social issue in numerous cultures, perpetuating gender inequality and subjecting women to economic and emotional exploitation. This essay delves into the dowry system, examining its historical roots, exploring the factors that sustain it, elucidating its consequences on individuals and society, and proposing potential avenues for change. By shedding light on this entrenched practice, we can foster understanding and advocate for measures that promote gender equality and eradicate the harmful effects of the dowry system.

The dowry system has historical origins intertwined with cultural norms and traditions. It emerged as a way to provide financial support to newlywed couples, ensuring their well-being. However, over time, it has transformed into a mechanism that perpetuates gender-based discrimination and unequal power dynamics within marriages. Cultural expectations and societal pressures play a significant role in upholding this system, as it is seen as a way to maintain social status, reinforce gender roles, and consolidate family alliances.

The dowry system is fueled by a complex interplay of factors. Deeply ingrained patriarchal values and gender biases create an environment where women are considered inferior and require compensation for their perceived liabilities. Economic factors also contribute, as families may demand dowries to secure financial stability or maintain their social standing. This system takes various forms, ranging from discreet financial transactions to extravagant displays of wealth, depending on cultural and regional practices.

The consequences of the dowry system are profound and multifaceted. Women are often subjected to physical and emotional abuse, as their worth is reduced to the monetary value of the dowry. Financial burdens on the bride’s family can lead to debt, impoverishment, and limited opportunities for education and personal growth. The dowry system perpetuates gender inequality, reinforcing harmful stereotypes, limiting women’s agency, and hindering their overall empowerment and social progress.

Addressing the dowry system requires a comprehensive approach encompassing legal, educational, and societal dimensions. Enacting and enforcing stringent laws against dowry-related offenses is essential to protect women’s rights and ensure accountability. Educational initiatives must challenge deeply ingrained gender biases, promoting values of equality, respect, and consent. Empowering women through education and skill development can enhance their economic independence and reduce their vulnerability to dowry demands. Community engagement, involving religious leaders, influential figures, and grassroots organizations, is critical in shifting societal norms and attitudes towards gender equality.

The dowry system persists as a deeply entrenched social issue, perpetuating gender inequality and subjecting women to various forms of exploitation. By unraveling its historical roots, understanding its causes, and advocating for comprehensive change, we can strive towards a society that values gender equality, rejects dowry-based practices, and fosters environments where individuals are respected, empowered, and free from the shackles of inequity.

About Mr. Greg

Mr. Greg is an English teacher from Edinburgh, Scotland, currently based in Hong Kong. He has over 5 years teaching experience and recently completed his PGCE at the University of Essex Online. In 2013, he graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BEng(Hons) in Computing, with a focus on social media.

Mr. Greg’s English Cloud was created in 2020 during the pandemic, aiming to provide students and parents with resources to help facilitate their learning at home.

Whatsapp: +85259609792

[email protected]

English Compositions

Short Essay on Dowry System [100, 200, 400 Words] With PDF

In today’s session, you will learn how you can actually write short essays on Dowry System within a predetermined word limit. There is going to be three different sets of essays covering different word limits.

Feature image of Short Essay on Dowry System

Short Essay on Dowry System in 100 Words

Dowry is a marital ritual prevalent in several parts of India and also in different parts of the world as well. Dowry means giving money, materials, gold which the bride’s family pays to the groom. It is impossible to bear a dual expenditure of both the marriage and the dowry. Sometimes, a huge amount of cash is forcibly demanded by the groom.

This denigrates the girl into a commodity who is sold to her in-laws. In rural India, dowry is still prominent practice, where daughters of poor fathers are mercilessly tortured and killed if they fail to provide a good dowry. Presently, laws like the Dowry Prohibition Act have been implemented since 1961, where giving and accepting dowry are severely dealt with.

Short Essay on Dowry System in 200 Words

The term dowry refers to a ritual of a father giving her daughter some essential goods during the marriage, which will facilitate her a better living in her new household. Dowry at the beginning was a voluntary action, where the bride’s parents gifted the newlywed couple things of their choice and financial ability. But presently it is often a forced action of the groom’s family to make the bride pay luxurious materials for themselves.

The dowry system is an evil process where her parents are obliged to pay everything for their daughter, lest she is tortured and abused for it. Dowry is a huge crisis for the bride and her family on several counts. It drains all financial savings of one family and leaves them, pauper. Also, this dowry nowhere ensures the safety of the young girl. Rather It involves a risk of her life, since, in severe instances, she is murdered by her in-laws’.

Thus Indian government has taken a strict step to stop this evil. The Dowry Prohibition Act in 1961 ensures that women are no longer treated as a commodity or an additional burden. Dowry also provokes polygamy, where a groom marries several prospectus brides to sack dowry. This is a criminal practice and involves charges on money and also jail.

Short Essay on Dowry System in 400 Words

Any woman is destined to leave her parents and her house once she is married to a certain family. Her entitlement under a ceratin family makes her an intrinsic part of it, where it is the duty of the groom and his family to care for her. It is in this concept that the dowry system was started.

Since the girl as a ritual leaves her haven of the comfort of safety and comfort, her parents provide her with a voluntary sum of money, gold, and also other materials for her happiness. It escorts her to her husband, who is further reminded to look after her. As a show of honour and stability, dowry was paid by one side of the relationship to the other.

But presently, dowry is a sinful offence practised as a permanent ritual in India. The concept of sharing goods is now a forced activity, where the groom and his family forces the bride to pay them luxurious materials. In fact, dowry is associated with another crime of polygamy as well. A groom may marry several young brides for the lust of collecting dowry from different sources. Hence this dowry system is a crime, which never ensures the safety of the young girl.

The newlywed girl faces severe consequences if her father fails to provide for her as per the demands of her in-laws’. She is beaten, abused physically and verbally, and often tortured to death. Rabindranath Tagore’s story Nirupama explicitly shows the fatality of this dowry system. A woman loses her feminine individuality and is treated as next to nothing by her husband and her new family.

Constant fear of her tragic end lurks in herself and her parents. Dowry is a greater burden for poor families, where the poor father becomes a pauper while giving his child the best and thus ensuring her safety. The bride becomes a burden for society when her dowry is not up to the demanded level. She is often forced to commit suicide, unable to bear tortures.

Standing on this perspective, the Indian Government has passed the Dowry Prohibition Act in 1961 which ensures that this hideous practice is terminated everywhere. If one is found observing it, a fine of 15,000 rupees and five years of jail is given as punishments to the condemned. A girl is never a sin, nor is she a burden to her parents. She must be provided with an education and not prize money at her marriage. Dowry destroys her and reduces her to a commodity. It is social crime behind feminist issues and must be stopped whenever it takes place

I have written the essays above with a very simplistic approach for a better and easier understanding of all kinds of students. So, hopefully after going through this lesson, all your doubts regarding this context have been resolved. If you still have any queries regarding today’s session, kindly let me know through the comment section below.

Thank you.

☀ NCERT Books
☀ AP SCERT Books
☀ GSEB Books
☀ TS SCERT Books
☀ Board Syllabus
☀ Board Time Tables
☀ Board Hall Tickets
☀ Board Results
Board Result
Board Time Table
Board Hall Ticket
Board Syllabus
Social issues

Essay on Dowry System for Students | PDF Download

The dowry system is a procedure that was followed throughout India for a long period. This system became an illegal procedure after misleading and other negative incidents occurred due to this system. However, it had become a social problem in Indian society and some economically weak families were greatly disturbed by this system. The main reason behind this system is to help married couples but with time, it decided the marriages of the people. Accordingly, the following essay on the dowry system contains the necessary information and the disadvantages. The essay on the evils of the dowry system contains brief information about the problems faced by the people.

Short Essay on Dowry System in India 250 words

Dowry System is one of the problems for the people at the time of marriage from ancient India. The Dowry system refers to transferring or giving money to the groom’s family by the bride’s family. Along with the money, the bride’s family will offer various things like gold, silver, land, and many more valuable gifts. If the bride’s family is economically fit, they will never pause in giving these gifts to their daughter. Whereas if the bride’s family belongs to a middle-class family, they will suffer the most. As this system is being followed since the ancient period, it has become a tradition of taking dowry from the bride’s family. In the olden days, the dowry would be given as per the capability of the bride’s family. but now in the modern period, the groom’s family is just looking for the dowry and then they are going forward for marriage, which is an illegal activity.

Dowry System in India was built very deep in Indian society and every corner of the country. The main motto of the Dowry System is to help the newly married couple live for security and to fulfill their needs. The money or wealth that is transferred is to help until they settle in good positions. In some parts of India, the people will look at the dowry as seriously as the caste system. In modern days, most families treat new brides according to the amount of Dowry she brings. This dowry system makes the development of people and encourages greed in the people. The Dowry system is a burden and curse for the girl’s families at the time of marriage.

Long Essay on Dowry System in 500 words

Dowry System is following from Ancient India for a good cause. As the days passed due to rules and many other greedy thoughts made the people demand the dowry. The dowry means the wealth or money given to the bride by their parents to live secure and independent after the marriage. This thought in the people was abolished, but now the amount of dowry will decide the marriage for the girls. Many middle-class families are suffering due to the Dowry system for marrying their girl child. The people in society know that the dowry system is illegal and they should inculcate that wealth is just a gift to the bride.

The journey of the Dowry System became an illegal activity because of British rule. In India, the dowry system has been followed from the past even before the British ruling. In those days it was not considered an illegal activity because of the positive way of thinking about the dowry system. During the British ruling in India, they bought a rule that no asserts should not be in the name of women or girls. By this rule, the Bride families started giving dowry, i.e. asserts in name of the Groom. From this point on, the thinking of people about Dowry was flipped in their minds.

As the dowry system was messed up by the rules, the thinking of people about the girl child in their families changed. The economically fit families did not have trouble with this dowry system, but the people below the poverty line are facing problems with this system. As people started thinking that a girl child in the family is a burden and curse to them. From then on the people started thinking about boys in the family rather than girls. This leads to an imbalance in the sex ratio in the country due to a decrease in girls. Then people encourage women to foeticide, leaving girl child after birth, and many other crimes for the girl child.

All the changes make the dowry a nightmare for the bride’s family during the time of marriage. If a girl was born into a below poverty line family from that time, the father starts to save the money for that day. In modern India, caste and dowry play an important role in the marriages of girls. Present days have become as dowry makes marriage for the girls, but people also see the bride or groom with dowry rather than qualities of them. As the people change, the groom’s families demand the dowry; even the bride’s parents also encourage the dowry and fulfill their demands. Even after the dowry, the treatment of the bride in the groom’s home is very bad, which leads to divorce and some even to death due to pressure.

As the illegal activities towards women and improper sex ratio in the country combine bought up the laws against the dowry. The Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961 is one of the laws against dowry. Under this law, the givers and takers of dowry are both to be punished. All the laws and care of the government had bought fear in people about the dowry, and it had been demolished to a certain extent in the country.

Quotes on Dowry System

Any young man, who makes dowry a condition to marriage, discredits his education and his country and dishonors womanhood.
Who chooses a wife based on the dowry, will have a painful life.
I have taken a wife, I have sold my sovereignty for a dowry.
Stop giving your daughters to beggars. Stand against dowry
Several lives are sacrificed for dowry, stop this sacrilege.
Real men never ask for dowry… He believes in, Self-respect & Self earning!!
As long as she is wise and good, a girl has sufficient dowry.
Quarrels are the dowry that married folk brings one another.
Wine is a bride who brings a great dowry to the man who woos her persistently and gracefully.
A great dowry is a bed full of brambles.

Dowry System: Images

Conclusion: Dowry System in the present had become an illegal activity which caused many lives of women after the marriages. Nearly 8,000 women lead to death by the dowry system, according to data in India. To get an end and save women the strict rules and laws should be brought up by the government. The government and the NGOs who are against Dowry should work together to get awareness in people and teach them it is an illegal act, according to the government. It should go into the children of young age by Prohibition of Dowry system drawings, paintings, posters, and some competitions because they are the future of India.

We believe that the above essays on Dowry System had provided you the clear information about Dowry . The above essays on the evils of the Dowry System will be helpful for students, competitive exams like UPSC, SSC .

Dowry System Essay | Dowry System in India Essay in English

Dowry System Essay: Dowry system is one of India’s most formidable social evils for hundreds of years. It is an ancient system that requires the family of the bride to pay cash, gold, jewellery and other expensive gifts to the groom’s family in order to conclude the marriage. It is a great social bane that must be removed from Indian society for causing extreme harm to its fabric. The system is against women and makes them look like a burden on a family. Thus, students are often required to write a Dowry System Essay.

Despite its distressing and deplorable effects on society, the Dowry System is still practised in a few and mostly non-urban parts of India. Hence, it is essential for us to understand how the system destroys the sanctity of marriages and has, in the past, taken many lives. Thus, we provide a Dowry System in India Essay in English to help you write a Dowry System in India Essay and help aware Indians of the social ill. We have also provided 10 points on Dowry System Essay or Dowry System in India Essay

Dowry is a formidable social evil. It has had many unmatched social impacts. It is an ancient system in which expensive items such as gold jewellery, vehicles, electronic and electrical appliances, land property etc. are given to the family of the groom by the family of the bride before or after marriage. This system has led to social ills such as gender discrimination, objectification of women, stigmatisation of brides, female infanticide, domestic abuse against women, crime against women and so on. It has also deteriorated the mental health of women undergoing the process. Despite it being completely banned by the Indian Government in 1961, many families in India continue to practise this social evil.

India is an ancient country with ancient history and rich culture. However, some practices that have been there having gravely impacted the growth and progress of India in a negative way. The dowry system tops among these practices. It prevents many parents, especially the poor ones, from having female children. It also leaves many women unmarried throughout their lives due to a lack of money to pay the groom’s family. The system also objectifies women and presents them as burdens upon the family of the groom.

It is a system that strongly discriminates against women. The family of the bride gives dowry so that their daughter is not discriminated against and is treated well. However, as it is often assumed, dowry is no guarantee that a bride is treated well by her in-laws. We often come across cases in which a woman is beaten and abused heavily by her in-laws since they demand extra dowry. Under this dowry system, women are not seen as humans getting married to a man but as liabilities that are transferred from one family to another, and hence must be paid for.

The Dowry System is the manifestation of the age-old thinking that limits women to the house. In this thinking, women are not seen as breadwinners but as homemakers, from which the concept of housewives originates. However, today, women are in a condition to compete shoulder-to-shoulder with men as professionals.

The prevalence of the dowry system in India has decreased, especially after women have proved their abilities to earn equal, and in many cases, even more than men. Women have driven the growth of India substantially, decreasing their vulnerability and increasing their stature in society. The government has also laid out strict laws and rules to prevent its spread. Above all, the people of India have become more aware of its negative consequences and have started to refrain from practising it.

The Dowry System is like one dirty fish which can contaminate the entire pond. It paints a negative image of the rich culture India possesses. It also makes India’s women more vulnerable and snatches their freedoms away. It further puts an undue burden on the family of the bride. Due to such serious impacts, every Indian must say no to dowry. In India’s dreams of becoming a global leader, the Dowry System is one thing that Indians need to refuse.

Points to remember while writing Dowry System Essay or Dowry System in India Essay

The following points must be remembered while writing a Dowry System Essay | Dowry System in India Essay in English

The Dowry System is a system in which a sum of cash or expensive items such as jewellery, electronic or electrical goods, or both are given to the Groom’s family by the family of the Bride.
The Dowry System is an age-old system that has been practised in India for centuries.
Dowry is considered a social evil which must be wiped out of our society
The Dowry System was outlawed in India in 1961 under the Dowry Prohibition Act . Despite this, many people still practise this evil custom.
The Dowry System immensely impacts society and women in a negative way.
The Dowry System puts a huge burden on the family of the Bride
The Dowry System has led to many parents abandoning their girl infants. It is also responsible for the surge in female infanticide in India.
The Dowry System comes from an age-old system that has treated women harshly and has limited them to the household.
The prevalence of the Dowry System has decreased since the opening of career opportunities for women.
Every Indian must say no to dowry and also help spread awareness against its practice.

Thank You for giving our article on Dowry System Essay or Dowry System in India Essay a read

Please share this article on Dowry System Essay or Dowry System in India Essay with your friends

About The Author

Gautam kukreja, related posts.

Unemployment in India Essay

Morning Walk Essay | Morning Walk Essay 250 Words & 10 Lines

My Favourite Teacher Essay | My Favourite Teacher 10 Lines

My Country Essay 10 Lines and My Country Essay 200 Words

Spread the word.

Share the link on social media.

Username or email *

Forgot Password

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email.

You must login to ask a question.

Please briefly explain why you feel this question should be reported.

Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported.

Please briefly explain why you feel this user should be reported.

ByTure Latest Articles

Essay on dowry system (500 words).

The Dowry system is perhaps the gravest social malady of India today. While other social evils like untouchability and the caste system are on the wane, the evil of the dowry system is assuming an alarming dimension. Even the enactment of the Dowry Prevention Act by the Central Government has failed to check the shameful practice.

The Dowry system reduces the sacred affair of marriage to a business deal. It turns the brides into a saleable commodity like cattle in the market of marriage. Love, freedom, and dignity—stand ridiculed in the bargain of business though we know fully well that offering dowry and accepting it are both punishable and insulting to our womenfolk. Occasionally some educated girls decline to marry, as there is a demand of cash or dowry in some other kinds. But these are exceptions.

Generally, the parents of the brides are often put to inhuman pressure for a handsome dowry. Sometimes they have to sell all their properties to get their daughters married and become paupers. In many cases, young brides are treated with inhuman torture or pushed to suicide or homicide by the husbands and the in-laws so that the groom can marry again and endanger the life of another innocent girl. Maltreatment or bride-burning are gruesome cases that frequently appear in the daily newspapers. Sometimes severe punishment is inflicted on the offenders. But only a few of the events come to light and the law courts. Nowadays some grooms prefer career girls. This is also some kind of dowry as they are forced to forego their salary for their father-in-law’s family. Thus thousands of young women are sacrificed at the altar of the dowry system every year. And that is why girls are regarded as a liability in our society and the birth of a daughter is looked upon as an unwelcome evil by the poor parents.

To eradicate this social evil, total change in the outlook of society is a must. Woman has to be recognised as an equal partner of man. Legal prohibition of dowry is not enough. How can the law cure greed and lust for money? Strong social disapproval of dowry is the only guarantee against this evil. So long as women remain backward and economically dependent on men, the curse of the dowry system cannot be uprooted. Education and employment for women alone can bring about the right remedy. Strong legal measures should be taken against the offenders. But what is more effective is that our youths should lead the movement to generate public opinion against this shameful custom as it is an insult to human dignity. The press, the radio and the TV should make a concerted campaign against it. The right-thinking people of our society should also come forward to raise their voices against this social crime.

Finally, women themselves can vow that they won’t marry with the dowry. Women’s organisations should also be organised for creating mass awareness against such evil practices.

Essay on Mother Teresa
Biography of Sister Nivedita
Essay on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
Essay on Kazi Nazrul Islam
Essay on Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Kannada Literature
Malayalam Literature
Telugu Literature
Tamil Literature
Marathi Literature

EssayBanyan.com – Collections of Essay for Students of all Class in English

Essay on Dowry System

Women are an important part of our society. Without women, it would be difficult to survive happily or carry out the lifecycle. They play several vital roles in their life. Nowadays, they are walking a step ahead of men in all aspects of life. From household chores to running a country, they are capable of performing all the work that a man does.

But despite of being proving themselves several times, they are treated as inferior. One of the major things that make women weaker in this society is Dowry System. In India, everyone speaks out for women’s rights but a girl can’t escape the bounds of dowry even after attaining everything in her life. To highlight this social evil in detail let us talk today about Dowry System:

Short and Long Dowry System Essay in English

Here, we are presenting long and short essays on Dowry System in English for students under word limits of 100 – 150 Words, 200 – 250 words, and 500 – 600 words. This topic is useful for students of classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 in English. These provided essays will help you to write effective essays, paragraphs, and speeches on Dowry System.

Dowry System Essay 10 Lines (100 – 120 Words)

1) Dowry system is an old tradition been practiced for many generations in India.

2) In this system, the bride’s family gives money and other gifts to the bridegroom’s family.

3) The gifts include jewelry, furniture, and other household items.

4) It is viewed as a way of strengthening the bond between the two families.

5) Dowry system is illegal but is still practiced in many parts of the country.

6) It also puts immense financial stress on the bride’s family.

7) Due to dowry, many women suffer suicide, murder, and domestic violence.

8) It ensures that the bride will be financially secure after marriage.

9) It is a form of exploitation and must be stopped to create a more equal society.

10) Every family should take a stand against the practice of the dowry system.

Short Essay on Dowry System (250 – 300 Words)

Introduction

Dowry is an old practice in various parts of India and is still prevalent today. It is an exchange of money or gifts between two families when a girl is married. It also refers to the transfer of things from the bride’s parents to the groom or his family. It is a social malpractice prevalent in our country that is putting a financial burden on the parents of the girl.

Causes of Dowry System

The male-dominated society is one of the main reasons leading to the increase of dowry in the society. It creates a condition in which parents are compelled to give dowry to ensure their daughter’s marriage. Social and economic inequality between the two genders is another major factor that leads to the prevalence of the dowry system in our country.

Effects of Dowry System

The dowry system has had a far-reaching effect on the Indian population and has caused much harm to society. It has created a great financial burden for the families of the bride, resulting in them being heavily in debt. It sometimes forces families to take up loans at high-interest rates, or even to sell their property for dowry. It has also resulted in the deaths of several innocent lives as people take extreme measures to fulfill the demands of the groom’s family.

The dowry system is a social evil that has been affecting Indian society for many centuries. Despite the government’s efforts to eradicate it, the practice is still prevalent in many parts of India. It is essential to break the societal norms behind this practice and create an environment of gender equality in society.

Long Essay on Dowry System (500 Words)

Today, people are talking about progress and modernization but at the time of girl’s marriage, they forget everything. They become greedy and demand huge money despite of her success and struggle. Dowry System is an age-old practice primarily prevalent in the Indian subcontinent. It is an incorrect tradition that highlights materialistic features rather than the independence of women.

What is Dowry System?

The Dowry System is a practice where the bride’s family gives money and gifts to the groom and his family before the marriage is finalized. These gifts may include cash, jewelry, furniture, appliances, and other valuable items. The idea behind the system is that it ensures a level of security for the bride in her marriage, as the groom’s family will be provided for in case something bad happens to the bride. The dowry system is often criticized but it is still practiced in many parts of India. This unjust practice has persisted in India for centuries and has its roots in the tradition of paying a bride price.

History of Dowry System

The practice of the dowry system in India can be traced back to ancient India. In medieval times, families used to give the bride a dowry so she could continue to support herself financially even after marriage. During the British time, they made dowry a requirement for marriage, therefore making it impossible to get married without paying one. This rule turned the marriage system into a mess. Since then the parents of the groom have used this to their advantage.

The Dowry system has been systematically denying the freedom of women, trapping them in an endless cycle of financial dependency. Besides being a means of domestic violence and financial control, the ever-rising demands of material possessions result in extreme financial strains on the bride’s family, often in damage to quality of life and wellbeing. It has also been the primary cause of infant mortality, particularly in females, due to the system’s preference for males over females, which continues to fuel gender bias. Violence is used by the husband or his family to get money from the bride’s family as a “gift.”

Steps against Dowry System

The government has enacted laws to control the practice of dowry in India. The Dowry Prohibition Act was passed in 1961 to make the demand of a dowry an offense punishable by law. Other measures such as issuing public awareness campaigns, awarding punishments to those found guilty, and providing support to the victims of dowry are some of the steps taken by the government to address the issue of dowry.

The Dowry system possesses serious consequences for people and particularly for women. Despite numerous preventive measures taken by the government over the years, the practice is still followed in several parts of the country. People should oppose this practice instead of following this harmful custom. Therefore, it is up to us as citizens to work towards ending this malicious practice and creating a more equitable society for the benefit of all.

I hope the above-provided essay on Dowry System will be helpful to you in understanding the advantages, disadvantages, and role of Justice in our society.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions on Dowry System

Ans. The Dowry Prohibition Act was passed in 1961 to make the demand of a dowry an offense punishable by law.

Ans. Marriage counseling sessions, pre-marriage sessions, education, etc can be wonderful tools to stop the dowry system.

Ans. Indian states like Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, etc are considered free from the Dowry system.

Ans. Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, etc has highest Dowry death rate in India.

Ans. The Dowry System contributed to poverty, weakened families, and normalized discrimination and violence against women.

Essay on digital india, cashless india essay, essay on child is father of the man, essay on causes, effects and prevention of corona virus, essay on dr. sarvepalli radhakrishnan, durga puja essay, essay on summer vacation, essay on my plans for summer vacation, essay on holiday.

Essay on Dowry System for Children and Students

Table of Contents

Dowry is basically the cash, jewellery, furniture, property and other tangible items given by the bride’s family to the bridegroom and his parents during the event of marriage and this system is called Dowry System. It has been prevalent in India since centuries. Dowry system is one of the evil systems prevalent in the society. It is said to be as old as the human civilization and is rampant in many societies across the globe.

Fill Out the Form for Expert Academic Guidance!

Please indicate your interest Live Classes Books Test Series Self Learning

Verify OTP Code (required)

I agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy .

Fill complete details

Target Exam ---

Long and Short Essay on Dowry System in English

We have provided below essay on dowry System in English for your information and knowledge. The essays have been written in simple yet effective English language for you so that they can be easily remembered and presented when needed.

After going through these dowry System essay you will know what is dowry system; what are its impact on the society and the victims; why dowry system is a crime and should be banned; what laws are implemented by the government to eliminate dowry system etc.

These Dowry system essays can be helpful in school or college essay writing, speech giving or debate competitions.

Dowry System Essay – 1 (200 words)

Dowry system entails giving huge amount of cash, jewellery and other gifts to the groom’s family by the bride’s parents as a condition at the time of marriage. The system was put in place due to a reason in India and that was that until a few decades back the girl child did not have any right over the parental property and other fixed assets and was given liquid assets such as cash, jewellery and other goods to give her a fair share. However, it has turned into an evil social system over the years.

The wealth and property that parents intend to give her daughter as a part of the dowry so that she can be self sufficient at the new place is unfortunately, in most cases, all taken by the groom’s family. Besides, while earlier this was a voluntary decision of the bride’s parents it has become more of an obligation for them these days.

Many cases of brides being tortured physically and emotionally for not bringing enough dowry have come up. In many cases, the bride turns to her family to meet the demands of her in-laws while others end up giving their lives to end the torture. It is time the government of India should take strict action to stop this evil practice.

Dowry System Essay – 2 (300 words)

Introduction

The dowry system, that includes the bride’s family offering gifts in the form of cash and kind to the groom’s family, is largely condemned by the society however some people argue that it has its own advantages and that people are still following it only because it does hold importance for the brides and benefits them in certain ways.

Are There Any Advantages of the Dowry System?

Many couples these days choose to live independently and it is said that dowry that mostly includes gifting cash, furniture, car and other such assets acts as a financial support for them and helps them to begin their new life on a good note. As both the bride and groom have just begun their career and are not that sound financially they cannot afford such huge expenses all at once. But is it a valid reason? If this is the case then both the families should invest in getting them settled rather than putting the entire burden on the bride’s family. Moreover, this should hold good if the families can afford to offer financial help to the newly wed without coming under debt or lowering their own standard of living.

Many also argue that those girls who are not good looking can find grooms by meeting the latter’s financial demands. It is unfortunate that girls are seen as a burden and marrying them off as they enter their twenties is the priority of their parents who are willing to do anything for the same. Providing huge dowry in such cases works and this evil practice seems as a boon for those who are able to find (buy) groom for their daughters. However, it is time such mind set should be changed.

The supporters of dowry system also state that providing huge amount of gifts to the groom and his family raises the status of the bride in the family. However, statistics reveal that in most cases it has worked against the girls.

The advocators of dowry system may come up with various unreasonable reasons to support the system but the fact remains that it does more harm than good to the society as a whole.

Dowry System Essay – 3 (400 words)

Dowry System that initiated as a decent practice to help the girls financially as they took on the new phase of their life has gradually turned evil. Just as child marriage, child labour, caste system and gender inequality, dowry system is also one of the evil social systems that needs to be eradicated for the society to prosper. However, unfortunately despite the efforts made by the government as well as various social groups, this heinous system is still very much a part of the society.

Why is Dowry System Still Intact?

The question remains that even after making dowry a punishable offense and spreading awareness about the ill-effects of this system through several campaigns why do people still practice it? Here are some of the main reasons why the dowry system remains intact despite being condemned by the masses:

In the Name of Tradition

The system of the bride’s family giving gifts to the groom and his family in the form of jewellery, cash, clothes, property, furniture and other assets is being practiced since decades. It has been given the name of tradition in various parts of the country and when the occasion is as pious as wedding, people cannot dare to neglect any tradition. People are following it blindly even though it is a burden for the bride’s family in majority of the cases.

Status Symbol

For some, the dowry system is more of a status symbol. The bigger car they give and the greater amount of cash they give to the groom’s family the more it boosts the status of both the families. Hence, even though they cannot afford many families end up throwing lavish wedding functions and giving numerous gifts to the groom and his relatives. It has become more of a competition these days. Everyone wants to beat the other.

Lack of Strict Laws

While the government has made dowry a punishable offence, the law has not been implemented strictly. There is no check on the exchange of gifts and dowry given during marriages. These loopholes are one of the main reasons why this evil practice still exists.

Apart from these, gender inequality and illiteracy are also major contributors to this heinous social system.

It is sad how even after completely understanding the ill effects of the dowry system people in India still continue to practice it. It is time people in the country should join hands to eradicate this problem.

Dowry System Essay – 4 (500 words)

Dowry system has been prevalent in our society as well as many other societies across the globe since times immemorial. While it started as helping the daughters to be self sufficient and financially independent as they moved to the new place over the period of time it has turned into a heinous practice that rather than empowering the women has turned against them.

Dowry is a Curse to the Society

Dowry, the practice of giving gifts in the form of cash, property and other assets by the bride’s family to the groom and groom’s family, can actually be termed as a curse to the society especially to the women. It has given rise to several crimes against women. Here is a look at the various troubles this system creates for the brides and their family members:

Financial Burden on the Family

The parents of a girl child begin saving for her ever since she is born. They keep saving for the wedding for years as they are responsible for conducting the entire affair right from decoration to catering to renting the banquet. And as if this wasn’t enough, they also require giving huge amount of gifts to the groom, his family as well as his relatives. Some people end up borrowing money from their relatives and friends while others take loans from bank to meet the demands.

Lowers Standard of Living

The bride’s parents end up spending so much on their daughter’s marriage that they often end up lowering their standard of living. Many end up in debt and spend the rest of their lives repaying it.

Gives Rise to Corruption

Giving dowry and organizing a decent enough wedding function is something that cannot be escaped for those who have a girl child. They need to accumulate money for the same no matter what and in the event many give in to corrupt means such as taking bribes, forging tax or conducting certain business activities using unfair means.

Emotional Stress for the Girl

The in-laws often compare the gifts brought by their daughter-in-law by those brought by other girls in their vicinity and pass sarcastic remarks making her feel tormented. Girls often feel emotionally stress due to this and some even undergo depression.

Physical Abuse

While some in-laws make it a habit to be sarcastic with their daughter-in law and leave no occasion to humiliate and bad mouth her others take to physical abuse. Several cases of women being hit and burned because of their inability of fulfilling the huge dowry demands keep surfacing every now and then.

Female Foeticide

A girl child is seen as a burden for the family. It is the dowry system that has given rise to female foeticides. Female foetus is aborted by several couples. The cases of girl child being abandoned are also common in India.

The practice of dowry is strongly condemned. The government has also passed law making dowry a punishable offence however it is still being practiced in most parts of the country causing agony for the girls and their families.

Dowry System Essay – 5 (600 words)

Dowry System has been a dominant part of the Indian society. In many parts it is known to be embedded in the culture and has become more of a ritual. This undue custom of the bride’s parents giving away expensive gifts in the form of cash and kind during her wedding started as a way of empowering the women as they began their new life at a completely new place.

Initially, cash, jewellery and other such gifts were given to the bride however the sole purpose of the system has deviated over the period of time and the gifts are now given to groom, his parents and relatives. The jewellery, cash and other stuff given to the bride are also kept in safe by her in-laws. A number of factors such as illiteracy, gender inequality and lack of strict laws against this system have given rise to this evil practice.

Laws against Dowry System

Dowry system is one of the most heinous social systems in the Indian society. It has also given rise to several issues such as female foeticide, abandoning of girl child, financial problems in the girl’s family, unfair means to earn money, emotional and physical abuse of the daughter-in-law. In order to curb this problem, the government has come up with laws making dowry a punishable act. Here is a detailed look at these laws:

The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961

By way of this act a legal system to monitor the give and take of dowry was put in place. As per this act, a penalty is imposed in the event of dowry exchange. The punishment involves a minimum of 5 years of imprisonment and a minimum fine of INR 15,000 or the dowry amount based on whichever is greater. A demand for dowry is equally punishable. Any direct or indirect demand for dowry could lead to 6 months of imprisonment and a fine of INR 10,000.

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005

Many women are abused emotionally and physically for not meeting the dowry demands of their in laws. This law has been put in place in order to empower women against such abuse. It protects women from domestic violence. All forms of abuse including physical, emotional, verbal, economic and sexual are punishable under this law. The punishment for different types and severity of abuse vary.

Possible Ways to Eradicate Dowry System

Despite the laws inflicted by the government, the dowry system still has a strong hold in the society. Here are a few solutions for eradicating this problem:

Lack of education is one of the main contributors to social practices such as dowry system, caste system and child labour. People must be educated to promote logical and reasonable thinking to get rid of belief systems that give rise to such evil practices.

Empowering Women

Instead of looking for a well-settled groom for their daughters and investing all their savings in the wedding, people must spend on the latter’s education and make her self-dependent. Women must continue to work even after their marriage and focus their energy on productive things rather than succumbing to the sarcastic remarks of in-laws. Women must also be made aware of their rights and how they can use them to guard themselves from any kind of abuse.

Gender Equality

Gender inequality that exists at the core of our society is one of the main reasons for dowry system. From a very early age, children must be taught how both males and females have equal rights and are not superior/ inferior to each other.

Apart from this campaigns should be held to sensitize the issue and the laws set by the government must be made more stringent.

Dowry system is the cause of agony for the girl and her family. The solutions mentioned here must be taken seriously and incorporated in the system to get rid of this problem. The government and general public must join hands to eradicate this system.

Essay on Dowry System for Students and Children

Essay on Dowry System: Dowry System stands to be one of the most prevalent practices in India since ancient times.

Reported by Anshika Saxena

Published on 25 April 2024

Essay on Dowry System : Dowry System stands to be one of the most prevalent practices in India since ancient times. It is still in practice in a few parts of the nation. While the system has been abolished, there are many parents who have to pay a huge sum as a dowry in order to get their daughters married. The parents who fail to fulfil the expectations of the groom’s family often find themselves stuck in the suffering of domestic violence subjected by their daughters.

The practice is termed to be one of the cruellest and most evil practices in terms of marriage. This topic finds its way into competitions and examinations because it happens to be exclusively relatable.

If you have to write an essay on the topic of the “Dowry System”, you can take the help of the ensuing article. Here we have provided a detailed guide on how to frame and structure the essay. Read the following guidance and the sample essay that you can allude to while writing yours. Furthermore, we have also mentioned a few saying that will assist you to make your essay more concrete and impressive.

Essay on Dowry System

The topic, “Dowry System” is a very vast topic. There are a lot of aspects and points that you can put forward on the theme. However, you must understand the kind of topic it is and the type of essay you need to frame on it. The topic, “Dowry System” is necessarily a descriptive one. While you can also write it in an argumentative style, you cannot stand for the motion. You also cannot be neutral about it. You have to stand against it.

Thus, as you write your essay, you have to realise that this is a grave issue and an evil practice. Further, the Essay on Dowry System needs to explore the angles of Feminism too, as it is extremely crucial. You have to be firm and give in strong arguments while informing regarding the purpose, prevalence, and requirement of the practice.

Read this>>> What is Pink Tax? Impact on Women, Regulation

Sayings and Quotes on the Practice of Dowry

The students who are willing to write a good essay on the topic of Dowry can start quoting famous people to support and justify their points. In the subsequent section, the potential writers can refer to any of the ensuing quotes for the purpose of adding them and making the essay interesting:

Start marrying a woman for love and stop divorcing a woman for money ~ Sir P.S. Jagadeesh Kumar
He traded his surname for dowry ~ Nila
Any young man, who makes dowry a condition to marriage, discredits his education and his country and dishonours womanhood ~ Mahatma Gandhi
People accept the dowry system, by aborting a female child and by rising a male child ~ Sir P.S. Jagadeesh Kumar
The great virtue of parents is a great dowry ~ Horace
The dowry, not the wife, is the object of attraction ~ Juvenal
An impotent beggar believes in begging for money and a potent beggar believes in begging for dowry ~ Sir P.S. Jagadeesh Kumar
As long as she is wise and good, a girl has sufficient dowry ~ Plautus
Too many people embrace religion from the same motives that they take a companion in wedlock, not from the true love of the person, but because of a large dowry ~ Hosea Ballou
It often happens, that misery will follow a marriage when the dowry is too large ~ Decimius Magnus Ausonius

Samples Essay for the topic “Dowry System”

There was a system that started across the globe where women were married to men only to leave their homes to settle in the men’s homes. This seems like a painful but not barbaric practice until the realisation hit the masculine community that somehow they are responsible for the well-being and sustainability of women and thus they must demand money from the parents of the bride for they are lifting off the burden by marrying the daughters. It was agreed upon because women never had the privilege which was the basic right to earning bread. The practice was eventually known as Dowry.

Dowry in simpler words is the compensation that the groom and his family get because they are marrying someone’s daughter. It is no less than a prize that men receive for being born as men. The practice decreased with the advancement and empowerment of women but it has killed and influx pain and suffering in the lives of many women and their parents. There was a common notion of standing against the bride post-marriage through the means of domestic violence if her parents were unable to fulfil the expectations of the groom’s family. The latter would torture the bride just to pressurize her to force her parents to pay more and more money. This would go to such an extreme that they ended up killing the girl. Men always had the option of remarrying where no one question them. Hence, the cycle would start again.

This started the prevalence of domestic violence, dowry death, female infanticide, and the torture of unmarried women. These practices have been the root cause of disrespect of women and it might seem they all started due to dowry but the aspects such as patriarchy, mansplaining, female oppression, unemployment of women, and much more are also related to it.

There are relative laws that abolish and ban these practices and declare dowry as a criminal offence but as Lord Chesterfield once said, “If a marriage is going to work well, it must be on a solid footing, namely money, and of that commodity it is the girl with the smallest dowry who, to my knowledge, consumes the most, to infuriate her husband. All the same, it is only fair that the marriage should pay for past pleasures since it will scarcely procure any in the future”, declaring how a marriage based on Dowry where the groom is paid less infuriates him against his wife. Parents pay the dowry for the purpose of ensuring the contentment of their daughters. He intends to clarify that this is unfair as such marriages which are based on the dowry system are only about the individual pleasures of the bride before her marriage as she shall not receive any after that.

Speech on International Women’s Day

The feminist movement has improved situations but the Dowry system is still prevalent in many parts of society. The connected practices are also prevalent to date. While women who are self-dependent and earn their own bread often do not find themselves suffering and it is advocated that the system shall diminish if every woman earns her own bread. However, the truth is that it is the mentality of the masculine-inclined society that needs to change as women are not responsible for being oppressed enough to not seek employment, for being considered as responsibilities of parents and men, for being married off without being financially independent, and left at the mercy of groom and his family.

Anshika Saxena

Essay on Dowry System

Dowry means those gifts and presents which are given by a father or a guardian to his daughter at the time of her marriage. In ancient times, it was considered as a sort of help to the newlyweds to establish their own home.

Mostly the dowry in those days was in kind, say a variety of things useful for new homes, and not in cash, as the system now prevails.

Those gifts were given voluntarily and without any demands made under pressure. About a hundred years ago, there was a custom that the prospective husband used to offer gifts and presents to his would-be bride’s father. But this custom proved a major handicap for many persons who could not marry early in life for want of funds to buy such gifts.

There were many unfortunates who could not marry at all for this reason, But customs are never stationary. They undergo changes. Now, at present, this custom has been reversed.

Instead of the prospective husband, it is the bride’s parents who have to offer gifts and presents to the bridegroom and his parents. As such, without a dowry.

Now, the system has become a social evil. It has become extremely difficult to arrange a girl’s marriage without a dowry. Now the system has become a social evil. Dowry system has become one of the greatest social evils these days and hundreds of innocent lives have been lost.

Even educated parents expect their daughter-in-law to bring money and gifts from her family. They use the dowry system as a short-cut to amass wealth. They torture someone else’s daughter without thinking that their own daughter might also meet the same fate.

We have legislation in our country to stop giving and accepting dowry. Yet this system is very much in existence Unless we are ready to bring in a change of hearts, no legislation can be effective. Better burn your greed and spare your brides.

Daddy Poem Summary and Line by Line Explanation by Sylvia Plath in English
The Highwayman Poem by Alfred Noyes Summary, Notes and Line by Line Explanation in English
Of Marriage and Single Life by Francis Bacon | Summary & Analysis
Common Conversational Phrases in English [List of 939]
Stri Purush Tulana by Tarabai Shinde Analysis
Howl Poem By Allen Ginsberg Summary, Notes and Line by Line Explanation in English

Website Inauguration Function.
Vocational Placement Cell Inauguration
Media Coverage.
Certificate & Recommendations
Privacy Policy
Science Project Metric
Social Studies 8 Class
Computer Fundamentals
Introduction to C++
Programming Methodology
Programming in C++
Data structures
Boolean Algebra
Object Oriented Concepts
Database Management Systems
Open Source Software
Operating System
PHP Tutorials
Earth Science
Physical Science
Sets & Functions
Coordinate Geometry
Mathematical Reasoning
Statics and Probability
Accountancy
Business Studies
Political Science
English (Sr. Secondary)

Hindi (Sr. Secondary)

Punjab (Sr. Secondary)
Accountancy and Auditing
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology
Automobile Technology
Electrical Technology
Electronics Technology
Hotel Management and Catering Technology
IT Application
Marketing and Salesmanship
Office Secretaryship
Stenography
Hindi Essays
English Essays

Letter Writing

Shorthand Dictation

Essay on “The Dowry System” Complete Essay for Class 10, Class 12 and Graduation and other classes.

THE DOWRY SYSTEM

THE CURSE OF DOWRY

Essay No. 01

‘Dowry’ according to the dictionary, means the property which a woman brings to her husband at the time of her marriage. Originally, it must have meant property represented by the voluntary gifts given to the girl by her parents, relatives and friends out of love and affection, at the time of her marriage. May be these gifts were given to the girl in order to enable her to set up a new home out of a sense of social responsibility. The system of dowry must be as old as the institution of marriage itself. It must also have been a universal practice. Every father wants to give some presents to his daughter when she is leaving his home for good and starting life afresh. There is nothing unusual, bad abnormal about it.

But as time passed, the system degenerated into an evil custom. It came to be looked upon as an evil and a curse. The dowry became an all- important and a primary factor in marriage. It became necessary for the parents of the girl to give a good dowry to her whether they could afford it or not. Worse still, the married life of a girl came to depend upon dowry. Marriage became impossible in the absence of a handsome dowry. Several girls, whose parents could not afford a good dowry, had to commit suicide as their greedy in-laws made their lives miserable. Newspapers are full of reports carrying harrowing tales of brides being burnt to death or driven to hang themselves because of constant nagging by their in laws. Some of the step-daughters of fortune choose the hangman’s noose while others consume poison or jump down the multi-storeyed buildings to deliver themselves from the clutches of the inhuman dowry seekers.

It is really tragic that in the progressive world of today, the evil of dowry continues to exist in all its horrid forms. Many homes are broken and several families are driven to ruin only because they are too poor to afford a rich dowry. Previously, in the selection of a bribe, her family background, education and her intrinsic worth used to be the primary consideration. Now, dowry is the first and the only consideration in a majority of the matrimonial alliances. As a result, dowry, which was at one time a token of love and affection, has become a cause of oppression and exploitation of the worst order.

Some parents have to incur heavy debts for giving dowry. At times, they remain under debt for the whole of their life. Sometimes, the girl’s parents fill to raise the necessary funds for marriage. They are compelled to commit suicide in disgust and despair. No wonder, therefore, that the birth of a daughter is looked upon as a bolt from the blue.

In the recent past, the Government of India and many states have taken some anti-dowry steps. In some states, dowry has been made a cognizable offence. But legal steps are not enough. We have to create a social climate which does not favour giving and taking of dowry. Dowry seekers must be singled out and condemned. The Government should implement the anti-dowry bill strictly in the right spirit Nobody, however highly placed, should be allowed to violate the law. Expenses at the marriage celebrations should be cut down. Needy married couples should be given loans and grants to help them set up their homes. They can be asked to refund these loans in easy installments. Voluntary social service organizations and religious heads should encourage dowryless marriages in large numbers. Girls should come forward to raise a banner of revolt against the dowry seekers. They should refuse to marry such boys as expect a dowry.

There is another dimension to the anti-dowry act promulgated by the government. This law is being exploited by some girls or their parents to blackmail the boys or their families after marriage. On threat of charge of prosecution for asking for dowry, husbands are being forced to shell out huge sums of money to get a divorce. This practice must be looked into and steps should be taken to see that no family is unnecessarily harassed or exploited. Divorce should be made easier to obtain. Boys and girls should both be given equal rights in the matter of obtaining a divorce.

In order to root out the evil of dowry from the society, we shall have to build up a strong public opinion against it. Boys and girls in schools and colleges should be made to take a pledge that they would neither seek nor give dowry. They should be educated through films, television plays and talks, slides camps, lectures and radio talks. Such boys as refuse to accept dowry in their marriages should be honoured in public. If we succeed in removing the evil of dowry, it will be really a praiseworthy achievement.

Essay No. 02

Dowry System

The dowry system is an age old system and a peculiar phenomenon of the Indian society. It is, as today, a curse to the society.

Dowry is the name given to all that, the parents of a girl give to her when she gets married. At the face of it, the system seems quite appropriate, healthy and logical, for in this simple way, the parents of the girl help her in setting a new home. So far, so good and, originally also the purpose of dowry was very justified and understandable.

Let us now analyze how and why this system took birth at all? In the earlier times of Indian society, the daughter had no share in the father’s property so, by way of dowry the girl would get at least some portion of her share. Besides this, in those days, the girls were not educated so, this dowry could serve the girl as a back up support system in case of any emergency after her marriage. Seeing this as the ground reality and the reason for the system for having taken birth, no right thinking people would call the system wrong or unjustified. However, with the passage of time this same fine system has taken the ugly shape of begging for dowry, bargaining for dowry, auctioning the boy to the highest bidder and finally suicides. This is because, taking advantage of the system, the parents of the boys, have Started demanding dowry. This was never done in the original shape of the system. The girl’s parents would give whatever they could and, there would be NO – yes, No demands from the boy’s side. Besides demanding items of dowry, now parents of the boy’s family keep items of the dowry for their own use. This was also not in the original system for, whatever was given was for the girl only- and never for the boy’s family. These two additions in the original system have converted the blessing for the girl into a curse for her. The parents who cannot afford to meet the demands of the boy’s family are forced either into taking loans that they can never return, or use unfair means of corruption to make money to meet the demanded expenses In turn, this has led to even committing suicides by the girls murders of girls by the in-laws. At times even before the marriage, the girl is led to kill herself to save her parents from the trauma of collecting money for her marriage.

Thus, we see that, a system that was at one time very wise and discreet, has taken an ugly shape just because of the deed of men and women in today’s world. This system of dowry has become a slur on the Indian society. Besides being a shame, in today’s scenario, the system as it was even in the initial stages of its existence, has become quite irrelevant. This is because, both the reasons for its birth are now not in vogue. These days, girls are usually educated and can earn a livelihood if need arises, and, they now also have a share, an equal share as the brothers have in the father’s property. That means the necessity of the girl having an amount to reach out in the days of crisis or emergency does not hold good any more. So, when the very basis of the system does not exist, the system should be scrapped altogether. This is because; the system instead of bringing solace, only generates greed and even crime in several cases

My view is that, the system as it exists should be put to an end and all those who indulge in it should be punished severely.

Essay No. 03

The Evil of Dowry System

It is one of the tragedies of modern times that despite the spread of education, change in traditional beliefs, customs and manners, the condition women remains largely unchanged. Despite the promulgation of several laws designed to ameliorate the lot of women, evils such as dowry continue causing havoc in the lives of parents and the young girls.

The custom of dowry was started by our forefathers with a practical purpose. Pie girl was given gifts and jewellery at the time- of her marriage so that she could start life afresh without feeling weighed down by everyday needs of life. Another reason for giving away part of the possessions was that the girls were not entitled to any share in the property by right. Only the boys could be the legal heirs to the wealth and property left by the parents.

But over the years, the custom of dowry has degenerated. Marriage has become like a business transition, where the terms are dictated by the boy’s parents. The financial terms are settled much in advance of the actual marriage ceremony. Even if the girl’s parents do everything in accordance with the wishes of the groom and his parents, there is no guarantee of a happy future for their daughter. Every day the newspaper headlines bring this fact home that the evil of dowry is playing havoc with the lives of young girls. The suicide pact of sisters in Kanpur some time back is still fresh in public memory. The girls, unable to agony of their parents, took the fatal step and ended their lives. Such incidents should shake the public out of its apathy, but it is sad that after a little noise by women activists, social workers, etc. the controversy died a natural death.

The custom is widely prevalent in the country among the rich, middle class ,as well as the poor. Almost all communities practice this custom. The custom is inseparably connected with the institution of arranged marriages. An overwhelming majority among young girls, are brought up to believe that their final destination is marriage. Lately, many girls are opting for careers. But it is at best a secondary aim, which might be pursued in conjunction with and not to the exclusion of marriage. The law that Manu, the ancient Hindu law-giver, once laid down; that a woman must remain subject to her father in childhood, to her husband in youth and to her sons when she becomes a widow, holds good as well today & it did thousands of years ago.

This presupposes that in a woman’s life marriage is as inevitable as birth and death. First because she needs physical protection at all stages in her life and secondly because she is economically less productive than man. The accepted popular notion that the ultimate destiny of a girl is marriage, is symbolic of her inferior status in a male dominated society. The girl if, first educated and then pushed into a marriage. She is expected to surrender totally and completely forget her identity. In some communities in face: the girls are given a new name to remind them of their new life. Parents out of social pressures, try to many off their daughters as early as possible. But a young educated girl inwardly rebels at the prospect of entering a home where her sole qualification is the dowry that she brings with her. The girls have not been able to show courage to defy these traditions. The Centre for Social Science Research has found after a study that 91 per cent of dowry victims were educated young girls.

Today, dowry .has cut all barriers of caste, colour and creed. Growing materialism is responsible for the custom of dowry becoming moil widespread. People have become more materialistic. Values have changed Money has become the yardstick to judge a man. Human greed has become limitless. Human life is sacrificed at the altar of greed without any qualms.

In recent years there has been a lot of agitation against this evil social practice. The Dowry Prohibition Act was passed in 1961. It was again amended in 1986. The Bill to amend Dowry Prohibition Act made dowry offences non-boilable; raised minimum punishment for taking dowry Id,: five years; imposed ban on any advertisement in any newspaper etc. offering, share of property in consideration of marriage. However, these legislation efforts of social workers and woman activists seem to have been largely ineffective in exorcising the ghost whose shadow darkens the lives of many, young girls.

It is said that law is a poor instrument of social reform. Efforts to arouse collective conscience of the community against the evil have to be made. There is hope for change only if there is a social awakening and the crusade against dowry crystallizes into a public movement, a social protest. Above all, what is needed is a change in social attitude towards women. The education should inculcate among them a sense of dignity and self-respect. It should create self-confidence in them and equip them-so that they can become economically independent. Marriage should not be their ultimate, inevitable goal. More employment opportunities should be made available to them.

Education is a very powerful instrument of social change. Efforts should be made to educate the young from an early age about such evil practices, their origin and need for change, etc. in the present context.

The media too plays a very crucial role in molding public opinion. In fact advertising industry must realize its social obligation and not encourage advertisements which have an unhealthy effect on the society.

Joint efforts by the government, women’s organizations, socially enlightened people are likely to yield results. Of course, the change will come slowly. It will be long before the evil can be completely stamped out. But once a collective effort is made, there is hope of the social evil being wiped out. Indeed, the crusade against dowry needs to be crystallized into a public movement and a massive social protest.

Essay No. 04

Dowry system is one of the greatest evils of our society. The sacred institution of marriage is reduced to a business transaction. In fact, the whole affair has assumed the proportion of a scandal. It is the system which lowers the dignity of women. The parents of the girl are made to pay not only huge amounts of cash but also give luxury items like television sets, refrigerators, scooters, etc., all in the name of dowry. Poor parents borrow huge sums of money on high rates of interest to provide dowry. Many girls have to face a lot of trouble, and some of them even commit suicide.

The system has been in practice in India from times immemorial. As the Hindu law in the past did not give the girl the right to property, the father gave away a part of his property to the daughter in the form of dowry. It was also thought to be a sort of help to the young couple to set up a new home. The custom became an evil as the greed of bridegroom’s parents mounted. Thus from a grace it became a shame of our society.

Today girls are educated and some of them are employed and are economically independent. They are in no way inferior to the boys. The argument that since bride’s parents are very particular about boy’s income, qualification, etc., does not hold weight. Giving of dowry is no problem for the rich. In order to enhance their false social prestige, they give maximum dowry. The poor try to imitate the rich and in the process ruin themselves.

This inhuman practice must be put to an end. Law cannot produce any desirable results. The Dowry Prohibition Act, first passed in 1961, remained ineffective and the Amendment Bills of 1976 and 1985, which declared taking and giving of dowry as a punishable offence, have brought little respite to the people. The evil of dowry is grinning at us as never before.

This social evil needs a treatment at the social level. The social organizations carry out intensive anti-dowry propaganda. To combat the evil, young boys and girls should come forward and resolve not to give consent to such marriage which involves dowry. Marriages should be performed in the presence of some legal authority. The services of a government employee demanding dowry should be terminated. Above all, if more and more girls are educated and made to enter employment through various competitive examinations, the evil can be eradicated. Inter-caste marriages should be encouraged. The question of marriage should not be tackled by the old who lack constructive vision. The young should have more say in the matter. Thus, the most heinous of the social evils can be fought in our country.

Essay No. 05

The Dowry System

At times, even the noblest of intentions leads to the most vicious results. Wisdom and virtuosity in such cases are drained off with time and use. Like the caste system, the issue of dowry is one such ideal which went awry; which, as a result, has been causing confusion and coercion within the society.

The concept of dowry or `sthridhan’, quite paradoxically, traces its origins to the high status and esteem that women enjoyed in ancient times. It is an indication of the respect and regard commanded by women in those days, that they had rights over material wealth as men. But since women could not match their privilege of wealth with their ability to protect it, without the help of men, their privilege, in due course, turned to be a cause for their exploitation and misery. Men saw dowry as a ransom or fee they could exact for the protection that women sought’ from them. This transformation of a boon into a curse ‘is similar to that of caste practice. The caste system„ created as a mechanism to ensure division of labour, eventually became a tool for social exploitation.

As the world has progressed to the levels of materialism we see now, the prevalence of the dowry system and the evil practices associated with it, are more than ever before. Marriages, from being sacred commitments to lead healthy and happy family lives, have now degraded to being opportunities to amass wealth and privilege. The greed for wealth, which plays havoc with the sanctity of human relationships, is among the more important causes of social instability. Hence, even though the victims of crimes linked to dowry are invariably women, the issue of dowry, more than being a women’s problem, is now very much a social problem. If in some cases, the viciousness caused by dowry disputes, results in the death of the victims, in others, the victims are forced to lead a life of absolute misery and despair. The atmosphere of malice that prevails in such families will have an undesirable impact on the children growing up in them. Since society is actually an extension of the family, the malady of hatred and desperation will spread to it also.

By considering the dowry issue as a social problem, it may be possible to gamer support and commitment to solve it. However, with the materialistic mentality that prevails in society, solving the problem of dowry may not be easy. Nevertheless, an awareness of the evils of the system may be created in society, by suitably educating and enlightening the public. Moreover, encouraging changes in the people’s outlook to their personal relationships, and to society, will help restore self-respect in women, as well as create a sense of confidence in them. These changes will greatly benefit society. Such changes have come about in advanced countries, where, even though wealth is sought and coveted, dowry is not common. However, women should not push the ideals of independence and autonomy too far, lest the sanctity and integrity of family lives should collapse. A realization, that rather than money, education, self-respect and character are more valuable to happiness and well-being, may, over a period of time, act as a catalyst in solving the problem.

Essay No. 06

Evils of Dowry

Dowry system is one of the major evils afflicting India. It is really a great curse and a blot on our nation and society. It is discriminatory against women in general and unmarried girls in particular. It reflects man’s domination and superiority over the women, which is really shocking and condemn able. It is really sad that outdated and orthodox systems like dowry still prevail in Indian society. It reduces the bridegroom and his parents to the status of beggars and exploiters, and the bride’s parents to that of helpless victims. It is high time that the evils of dowry are eliminated forever. Let us stop it before it becomes more and more menacing with the ever-increasing demands of greedy and evil-minded parents and relatives of a would-be bridegroom. There is no limit to greed and accumulation of wealth by such dirty means as demanding dowry from the parents and guardians of young, unmarried girls.

The evils of this major social sin are many and too apparent. Because of this evil, hundreds of deaths and incidents of bride-burnings are reported every year in our country. Many more cases of this nature do not come to light at all. When they fail to bring in sufficient dowry, in cash or kind, young brides are harassed, tortured, burned alive and humiliated by their unscrupulous in-laws. Such an evil is to be found nowhere else in the world. It is a matter of great concern and shame to all of us that marriages are being settled on the basis of the value of the goods and money offered by the parents of brides, in the form of jewellery, costly clothes, T.V., car, scooter, furniture, and refrigerator, etc. and hard cash.

This immoral and vile system has generated black money, corruption, greed and many financial malpractices, besides various psychological complexes. The unprincipled and unconscientious parents of a would-be groom try to justify dowry on the false presumptions that the newly married couple be given dowry to set up a new home and to begin a new venture. Such people do, however, condemn dowry in no uncertain terms when they have daughters to marry. This is nothing but a double standard. No doubt, dowry system is very old in India, and is perhaps as old as the institution of marriage itself but, certainly now it has lost all relevance, both social and religious. As such, the sooner it is eradicated the better.

In ancient days a girl did not inherit any property. Therefore, to compensate this loss, she was given several gifts in cash and kind by her parents, relatives, friends and well-wishers in dowry. These gifts ensured a sort of future security to the newly married girl. But now the situation has totally changed. Now women have equal rights. They have equal rights of succession and inherit property from their parents and ancestors. Now giving or receiving of dowry is a cognisable offence under the Dowry Prohibition Act. According to this Act, if any person who gives, takes or abets in the giving or taking of dowry shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to 6 months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or both. Now, apart from the parents and relatives of the bride, the police and registered social organisations can also lodge a complaint against the party demanding dowry. Moreover, there is no time limit for lodging such complaints.

The laws enacted in recent years against the dowry system are very powerful and specific and yet they are not enough. They are being violated with impunity. There are thousands of cases of dowry every year but very few offenders are actually punished. In spite of these laws, the cases of dowry deaths are on the increase. Besides these legislative measures, we need other meaningful and effective social measures. All our efforts should be made to generate an effective public opinion against dowry system. More and more people, organisations, social institutions, leaders, religious heads and elders in the communities should be involved in the movement against this evil. The movement should be taken to villages and far flung areas of the country. The social and women’s organisations should organized agitations against the parties indulging in demanding dowry. Social boycott and demonstrations against the offending parents and-relatives of the boy can prove a powerful weapon in checking this evil. Moreover, the laws against dowry must be made more stringent so that the offenders may not get off scot-free.

To curb this evil, registration of marriage should be made compulsory, where both the parties are required to declare that they have neither taken nor given any dowry. Group and community marriages can also help in removing this evil to a great extent. Such marriage ceremonies can be solemnised in a community function in the presence of elders. In such marriages, there is no room for demand of a dowry.

Young women themselves should come forward and take the lead in this movement. They should never feel weak, helpless and feeble. They should recognise their strength, rights and potential. The weak is always exploited by the strong. They should refuse to marry when dowry is demanded. They should revolt and expose such anti-social elements. They should learn to stand on their own feet and try to improve their economic status in the society. It is heartening to know that there is a lot of awakening among the women folk of the country in the matter, but this is just the beginning. They should fight against all sorts of discrimination and unjust male domination. The young boys should also be made aware of the evils of dowry. They should reject their parents’ plea of seeking dowry. What is needed is that the menace is fought both on the levels of law, and society.

Essay No. 07

Look at the rich people! They have been able to amass immense wealth. Some of them have earned through unfair means. They give that ill-gotten money to their daughters by way of dowry. Even in the modern times, lakhs of rupees are given by way of dowry by them to their daughters. The bridegroom sometimes charges all the expenses of education with a scooter, a car and many other luxuries. Thus a custom has been going on to give something to the daughters who establish their own homes in the new environments.

Women were honoured in our country since olden times. They were good fighters and administrators. Women saints were in India and they preached all that they knew. We find their references in the ancient scriptures. No Yajna could be complete without the presence of women. In Lord Rama’s times, the golden image of Sita was prepared for taking part in the Yajna.

Thus we notice that in our country, women have been honoured since history began its march on this sacred soil.

But in the medieval times, the conditions became worse and the dowry system, child marriage, parda system etc., made the position of the women worse than it had been in early times of history.

But modern India has been trying again to raise her status in the society. India has got millions of poor people. India is a rural country and more than 80 per cent people belong to the rural areas. Therefore the poor people cannot follow this custom in the strictest sense. The demand of dowry is an extra burden on the parents of girls. The parents have to arrange for education and marriages of their children and therefore they have to arrange for more money for that purpose with a great difficulty.

The poor men cannot afford much money. They cannot even pass their time comfortably and have two course meals a day. They have to pass their time some-how. They have to follow the rich man’s customs. They have no option but to follow those traditions. They get loan and thus arrange their daughter’s marriage. They remain under the burden of debt all through their lives. In the past this resulted in the system of bonded labour, which has been legally abolished in the country recently.

Swami Daya Nand Saraswati, Raja Rammohan Roy and many other great reformers have been preaching against the curse of Dowry system. To oppose this The Arya Samaj arranges marriages without dowry. The Government too is alive to this problem. Under the leadership of Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the Government had tried to enact certain laws against the dowry system.

If India wishes to raise the status of women, she shall have to do away with this cursed custom. This custom has already caused misery to the people of the country. The parents should be free to give what they want to give to their daughters, but there should be no compulsion. Moreover, the amount to be spent on marriages should be limited by law. The fact is that more framing of laws cannot solve the problem permanently. The movement of the people to solve the problem alone can end this system. Undoubtedly, the dowry system is a great hindrance in the development of rural India.

Now the women have got equal rights with men. They get employment as the men-folk do. Therefore, the need of the hour is that the dowry system should be banned altogether. But the rich parents may be allowed to give something to their daughters if they like. Anyhow a limit to the marriage expenditure is necessary.

If the people agree to abolish the dowry system and the bridegrooms do not insist upon dowries, India will become more prosperous and the status of women will rise higher and higher. With the increase in demand for dowry, the bridegroom becomes a precious commodity. It is a blot on the fair name of our sacred land.

Therefore, this system must be abolished root and branch and it is the crying need of the hour to do so. The earlier the better.

Essay No. 08

The dowry means the goods and money paid by the bride’s parents to the groom’s family. In India, it is as old as the institution of marriage. In olden days, it was a token of affection and respect. Usually the goods given were the things of domestic ‘utility and were helpful for a young couple to start the family life. Gradually the real spirit of the system was lost. It became a compulsion for the bride’s parents. It is openly demanded and becomes a pre-condition for the marriage. It has now become an evil in the society.

The craze for dowry has been responsible for a number of murders and suicides. Several brides are burnt brutally. This is the brutal crime against humanity. This demands social awakening of the society. The dowry must not be a compulsion on the part of the parents.

The former Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi cautioned the society, “We shall have to wipe out the remains of this custom. We shall have to create a mass awakening against the evil effects of this custom. The Government will introduce laws bin social awakening is necessary for its Success.”

There is no doubt about the fact that unless legal steps are taken for banning dowry, we shall not be able to overcome this problem. It is true that if the law is not supported by a mass movement, the real objective cannot be achieved. It can .be abolished when the masses are mentally prepared to discard dowry. If the youths and their parents are not firm, we cannot help them or protect them by enactment of a law.

There are other aspect of the problem. The economic status of women in our society is not high. Recently the demand and offering of dowry have been banned legally. Certain amendments have also been made which give more powers to the police for the investigation of a bride burning case on account of dowry.

The tendency to look upon girls as property and sex objects cannot be changed simply be educating the masses. In some advanced countries, women are paid less than men for the same job, In India, women are becoming aware of their equal rights. They receive equally good salary and achieve high position in administration, management and politics. The decade 1991-2000 was celebrated by the SAARC nations as the decade of the girl child. The object was to draw the attention of the world to the importance of the girl child. The dowry system requires complete brainwash.

In conclusion, it can be stated that the evil of dowry can be eliminated through the combined efforts of the state, society and the law enforcing agencies.

About evirtualguru_ajaygour

commentscomments

its very good essay ….

It really supop

very nyc must be read please

very nice essay ……!

Its very nyc essay you must read

Very encouraging essay for young generation that they should not take dowry…

Very good essay

really,very good essay

Its very good essay so young generation eradicate the dowry system

Its very nice essay .you must read .

Excellent essay,I love the points ‘SUPERB’…

Its Very good essay.

It is ossammmmmmm essay all people have to must read this

Fantastic essay…

Its very good eassy

that’s gd

Nice eassy you must reAd it . Thanks

Nice essay you must read it

Nice.It is a good article against THE DOWRY SYSTEM

Nyc essay 👌👌👌👌👌👍👍👍👍

Thank q it is vry helpful to do my project Superb…… asssooommmm…. must read it !!!!!

Superb Simply nice

Good essay…

Good essay..

superb lines

It was very helpfull essay for me Thank you

Thank you it is very helpful to do my project

I like the article a lot It has helped me a lot

I liked it very mummy and I have learnt a lot more from it

very useful essay. thank you.

nice essays

very nice essay

Very good essay . Thanks.

Quick Links

Popular Tags

Visitors question & answer.

Md shoaib sarker on Short Story ” The Lion and The Mouse” Complete Story for Class 10, Class 12 and other classes.
Bhavika on Essay on “A Model Village” Complete Essay for Class 10, Class 12 and Graduation and other classes.
slide on 10 Comprehension Passages Practice examples with Question and Answers for Class 9, 10, 12 and Bachelors Classes
अभिषेक राय on Hindi Essay on “Yadi mein Shikshak Hota” , ”यदि मैं शिक्षक होता” Complete Hindi Essay for Class 10, Class 12 and Graduation and other classes.

Download Our Educational Android Apps

Latest Desk

Samkaleen Bhartiya Mahilaye “समकालीन भारतीय महिलाएं” Hindi Essay, Nibandh 1000 Words for Class 10, 12 Students.
Nijikarn – Gun evm Dosh “निजीकरण: गुण एवं दोष” Hindi Essay, Nibandh 1200 Words for Class 10, 12 Students.
Bharat mein Mahilaon ke Rajnitik Adhikar “भारत में महिलाओं के राजनीतिक अधिकार” Hindi Essay, Nibandh 700 Words for Class 10, 12 Students.
Bharat mein Jativad aur Chunavi Rajniti “भारत में जातिवाद और चुनावी राजनीति” Hindi Essay, Nibandh 1000 Words for Class 10, 12 Students.
Example Letter regarding election victory.
Example Letter regarding the award of a Ph.D.
Example Letter regarding the birth of a child.
Example Letter regarding going abroad.
Letter regarding the publishing of a Novel.

Vocational Edu.

English Shorthand Dictation “East and Dwellings” 80 and 100 wpm Legal Matters Dictation 500 Words with Outlines.
English Shorthand Dictation “Haryana General Sales Tax Act” 80 and 100 wpm Legal Matters Dictation 500 Words with Outlines meaning.
English Shorthand Dictation “Deal with Export of Goods” 80 and 100 wpm Legal Matters Dictation 500 Words with Outlines meaning.
English Shorthand Dictation “Interpreting a State Law” 80 and 100 wpm Legal Matters Dictation 500 Words with Outlines meaning.

Dowry System Essay

Dowry Basically this system of cash, jewellery, furniture, property and other valuables etc. given by the bride’s family to the groom’s family during the marriage is called dowry system. It is prevalent in India for centuries. Dowry system is one of the prevalent evils in the society. This human civilization is old and it is spread in many parts of the world.

Table of Contents

Short and Long Essay on Dowry System in English

Essay 1 (300 words) – are there any benefits of the dowry system.

The dowry system, which involves giving gifts in the form of cash and valuables to the groom’s family to the bride’s family, is largely condemned by society, but some argue that it has its own significance. And people are still following it and it is benefiting the bride in many ways.

Are there any benefits of dowry system ?

Many couples these days prefer to live independently and their dowry mostly consists of cash, furniture, cars and other such assets which act as financial support for them and help them to start their new life. . At the time of marriage both the bride and groom start their career and they are not financially well enough to bear so much of expenses at once. But is this a valid reason? If this is the case then instead of putting the entire burden on the bride’s family, both the families should invest in settling them. Apart from this, it can also happen that if both the families provide financial assistance to the newly-weds without any loan.

Many also argue that girls who are not good looking get married after fulfilling the financial demands of the groom. It is unfortunate that girls are seen as a burden and the priority of their parents is to get them married as soon as they reach the age of twenty. In such cases giving heavy dowry and this evil practice is like a boon for those who are able to buy groom for their daughters. However, now is the time when such thinking should be changed.

It is also believed by the proponents of the dowry system that the prestige of the bride and her family increases in the society when a large amount of gifts is provided. However statistics show that in most cases it has worked against girls.

Advocates of dowry system may support various unjustified reasons to support it but the fact remains that it causes more harm to the society as a whole.

Essay 2 (400 words) – Why dowry system still persists

Dowry system which started as a civilized process to help girls financially as they start their life afresh, has gradually become the worst practice of the society. Like child marriage, child labour, caste discrimination, gender inequality, dowry system etc. is also one of the bad social practices which needs to be eradicated to prosper the society. However unfortunately this infamous practice still remains a part of the society despite the efforts made by the government and various social groups.

Why is the dowry system still in place ?

The question is, why are people following dowry even after declaring dowry a punishable offense and spreading awareness about the impact of this practice through several campaigns? Here are some of the main reasons why the dowry system persists despite public condemnation:

in the name of tradition

The status of the bride’s family is estimated by giving gifts to the groom and his family in the form of jewellery, cash, clothes, property, furniture and other assets. This trend has been prevalent for decades. It has been given the name of tradition in different parts of the country and people do not dare to ignore this tradition when there is an occasion like wedding. People are following this tradition indiscriminately though it has proved to be a burden for the bride’s family in most of the cases.

status symbol

For some people the dowry system is more than a social symbol. People believe that those who give big car and maximum amount of cash to the groom’s family, this improves the image of his family in the society. So even though many families cannot afford these expenses, they arrange lavish weddings and give many gifts to the groom and his relatives. It has become like a competition these days where everyone wants to beat the other.

lack of strict laws

Although the government has made dowry a punishable offense, the law related to it has not been strictly enforced. There is no bar on the exchange of gifts and dowry given during the marriage. These loopholes are one of the main reasons why this bad practice still exists.

Apart from these, gender inequality and illiteracy are also major contributors to this terrible social practice.

It is sad that it continues even after people in India have fully understood the ill effects of the dowry system. It is high time that we should raise our voice to end this problem in the country.

Essay 3 (500 words) – Dowry is a curse for the society

Since ancient times, dowry system is prevalent in our society as well as in many other societies of the world. It started out as helping daughters to become self-reliant and financially independent as they start their life in a new way after marriage but with the passage of time it became a disgusting practice instead of helping women. changed into

Dowry is a curse for society

Dowry is the practice of giving gifts in the form of cash, property and other assets by the bride’s family to the groom and his family which can actually be called a curse for women, especially brides. Dowry has given rise to many crimes against women. Here is a look at the various problems that this practice poses for the bride and her family members:

financial burden on the family

Every girl’s parents start saving for her marriage from the time she is born. They save many years for the wedding because in the matter of marriage, from the decoration to the catering, the entire responsibility lies on their shoulders. Apart from this they are required to give huge amount of gifts to the groom, his family and his relatives. Some people borrow money from their relatives and friends while others take loans from banks to meet these demands.

lower standard of living

The bride’s parents spend so much on their daughter’s wedding that they often lower their standard of living. Many people get caught in the affair of bank loans and spend their whole life in repaying it.

support corruption

The person in whose house the daughter has taken birth has no option but to avoid paying dowry and organizing a decent marriage ceremony. They have to deposit money for the marriage of their girl child and for this people start conducting some business activities through many corrupt means like taking bribe, evading tax or through unfair means.

emotional stress for girl

Mother-in-law often compares the gifts brought by her daughter-in-law to those brought by other brides around her and makes sarcastic remarks making her feel inferior. Girls often feel emotionally stressed because of this and suffer from mental depression.

physical torture

While some in-laws have made it a habit to misbehave with their daughter-in-law and never leave an opportunity to humiliate her, some in-laws do not hold back in physically abusing their daughter-in-law. Many cases of women being killed and burnt due to their inability to meet the huge demands of dowry keep coming to light from time to time.

female foeticide

A girl child is always seen as a burden to the family. It is the dowry system that has given birth to female feticide. Many couples have also opposed female feticide. Cases of abandonment of a newborn girl child have also been common in India.

The dowry system is strongly condemned. The government has passed a law making dowry a punishable offense but it is still being followed in most parts of the country making it difficult for girls and their families to live.

Essay 4 (600 Words) – Law Against Dowry System

Dowry system has been a major part of Indian society. In many places it is known to be embedded in Indian culture and in those places it is more than tradition. The bride’s parents started this unfair tradition by giving daughters cash money and expensive gifts during the wedding as they had to start their new life in a completely new place after marriage.

Initially the bride was given cash, jewelery and other such gifts but the sole purpose of this practice changed with the passage of time and now the gifts are given to the groom, his parents and relatives. The jewellery, cash and other items given to the bride are also kept safe by the in-laws. This practice has given rise to many factors like absolutism, gender inequality and lack of strict laws.

law against dowry system

The dowry system is one of the most heinous social systems in the Indian society. This has given rise to various issues like female feticide, leaving the girl childless, financial problems in the girl’s family, using unfair means to earn money, emotional and physical abuse of daughter-in-law. To stop this problem, the government has made laws making dowry a punishable act. Here’s a detailed look at these laws:

Dowry Prohibition Act , 1961

Through this act a legal system was introduced to monitor the giving and taking of dowry. According to this act fine can be imposed in case of dowry transaction. The punishment includes imprisonment of not less than 5 years and a minimum fine of Rs 15,000 or depending on the amount of dowry. Dowry demand is punishable. Any direct or indirect demand for dowry is punishable with imprisonment for 6 months and a fine of Rs 10,000.

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act , 2005

Many women are abused emotionally and physically to meet the dowry demands of their in-laws. This law has been implemented to empower women against such abuse. It protects women from domestic violence. All forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, verbal, economic and sexual, are punishable under this law. The different types of punishment and the severity of the abuse vary.

Possible ways to end the dowry system

Despite the laws made by the government, the dowry system still has a strong hold in the society. Here are some solutions to eliminate this problem:

Lack of education is one of the main contributors to social practices like dowry system, caste discrimination and child labor. People should be educated to promote logical and proper thinking to get rid of such belief systems which give rise to such bad practices.

women empowerment

Instead of looking for a well established groom for their daughters and investing all their savings in daughter’s marriage, people should spend money on their daughter’s education and make her dependent on her own. Women should continue to work even after their marriage and focus their energy on their work rather than succumbing to the sarcastic remarks of in-laws. Women should be made aware of their rights, and how they can use them to protect themselves from abuse.

gender equality

Gender inequality that exists basically in our society is one of the main reasons for the dowry system. From a very early age, children should be taught that both men and women have equal rights and that no one is better or less than the other.

Apart from this, various campaigns should be organized to sensitize this issue and the laws laid down by the government should be made more stringent.

The dowry system is a cause of pain for the girl and her family. The solutions mentioned here should be taken seriously and incorporated in the law to get rid of this evil. The government and the general public need to stand together to end this system.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions on Dowry System

Answer- The spread of education and uniformity in the upbringing of children as well as the conduct of high quality rites.

Answer – Kerala

In Uttar Pradesh

When Prison and Mental Illness Amount to a Death Sentence

The downward spiral of one inmate, Markus Johnson, shows the larger failures of the nation’s prisons to care for the mentally ill.

Supported by

By Glenn Thrush

Photographs by Carlos Javier Ortiz

Glenn Thrush spent more than a year reporting this article, interviewing close to 50 people and reviewing court-obtained body-camera footage and more than 1,500 pages of documents.

Published May 5, 2024 Updated May 7, 2024

Markus Johnson slumped naked against the wall of his cell, skin flecked with pepper spray, his face a mask of puzzlement, exhaustion and resignation. Four men in black tactical gear pinned him, his face to the concrete, to cuff his hands behind his back.

He did not resist. He couldn’t. He was so gravely dehydrated he would be dead by their next shift change.

Listen to this article with reporter commentary

“I didn’t do anything,” Mr. Johnson moaned as they pressed a shield between his shoulders.

It was 1:19 p.m. on Sept. 6, 2019, in the Danville Correctional Center, a medium-security prison a few hours south of Chicago. Mr. Johnson, 21 and serving a short sentence for gun possession, was in the throes of a mental collapse that had gone largely untreated, but hardly unwatched.

He had entered in good health, with hopes of using the time to gain work skills. But for the previous three weeks, Mr. Johnson, who suffered from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, had refused to eat or take his medication. Most dangerous of all, he had stealthily stopped drinking water, hastening the physical collapse that often accompanies full-scale mental crises.

Mr. Johnson’s horrific downward spiral, which has not been previously reported, represents the larger failures of the nation’s prisons to care for the mentally ill. Many seriously ill people receive no treatment . For those who do, the outcome is often determined by the vigilance and commitment of individual supervisors and frontline staff, which vary greatly from system to system, prison to prison, and even shift to shift.

The country’s jails and prisons have become its largest provider of inpatient mental health treatment, with 10 times as many seriously mentally ill people now held behind bars as in hospitals. Estimating the population of incarcerated people with major psychological problems is difficult, but the number is likely 200,000 to 300,000, experts say.

Many of these institutions remain ill-equipped to handle such a task, and the burden often falls on prison staff and health care personnel who struggle with the dual roles of jailer and caregiver in a high-stress, dangerous, often dehumanizing environment.

In 2021, Joshua McLemore , a 29-year-old with schizophrenia held for weeks in an isolation cell in Jackson County, Ind., died of organ failure resulting from a “refusal to eat or drink,” according to an autopsy. In April, New York City agreed to pay $28 million to settle a lawsuit filed by the family of Nicholas Feliciano, a young man with a history of mental illness who suffered severe brain damage after attempting to hang himself on Rikers Island — as correctional officers stood by.

Mr. Johnson’s mother has filed a wrongful-death suit against the state and Wexford Health Sources, a for-profit health care contractor in Illinois prisons. The New York Times reviewed more than 1,500 pages of reports, along with depositions taken from those involved. Together, they reveal a cascade of missteps, missed opportunities, potential breaches of protocol and, at times, lapses in common sense.

A woman wearing a jeans jacket sitting at a table showing photos of a young boy on her cellphone.

Prison officials and Wexford staff took few steps to intervene even after it became clear that Mr. Johnson, who had been hospitalized repeatedly for similar episodes and recovered, had refused to take medication. Most notably, they did not transfer him to a state prison facility that provides more intensive mental health treatment than is available at regular prisons, records show.

The quality of medical care was also questionable, said Mr. Johnson’s lawyers, Sarah Grady and Howard Kaplan, a married legal team in Chicago. Mr. Johnson lost 50 to 60 pounds during three weeks in solitary confinement, but officials did not initiate interventions like intravenous feedings or transfer him to a non-prison hospital.

And they did not take the most basic step — dialing 911 — until it was too late.

There have been many attempts to improve the quality of mental health treatment in jails and prisons by putting care on par with punishment — including a major effort in Chicago . But improvements have proved difficult to enact and harder to sustain, hampered by funding and staffing shortages.

Lawyers representing the state corrections department, Wexford and staff members who worked at Danville declined to comment on Mr. Johnson’s death, citing the unresolved litigation. In their interviews with state police investigators, and in depositions, employees defended their professionalism and adherence to procedure, while citing problems with high staff turnover, difficult work conditions, limited resources and shortcomings of co-workers.

But some expressed a sense of resignation about the fate of Mr. Johnson and others like him.

Prisoners have “much better chances in a hospital, but that’s not their situation,” said a senior member of Wexford’s health care team in a deposition.

“I didn’t put them in prison,” he added. “They are in there for a reason.”

Markus Mison Johnson was born on March 1, 1998, to a mother who believed she was not capable of caring for him.

Days after his birth, he was taken in by Lisa Barker Johnson, a foster mother in her 30s who lived in Zion, Ill., a working-class city halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee. Markus eventually became one of four children she adopted from different families.

The Johnson house is a lively split level, with nieces, nephews, grandchildren and neighbors’ children, family keepsakes, video screens and juice boxes. Ms. Johnson sits at its center on a kitchen chair, chin resting on her hand as children wander over to share their thoughts, or to tug on her T-shirt to ask her to be their bathroom buddy.

From the start, her bond with Markus was particularly powerful, in part because the two looked so much alike, with distinctive dimpled smiles. Many neighbors assumed he was her biological son. The middle name she chose for him was intended to convey that message.

“Mison is short for ‘my son,’” she said standing over his modest footstone grave last summer.

He was happy at home. School was different. His grades were good, but he was intensely shy and was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in elementary school.

That was around the time the bullying began. His sisters were fierce defenders, but they could only do so much. He did the best he could, developing a quick, taunting tongue.

These experiences filled him with a powerful yearning to fit in.

It was not to be.

When he was around 15, he called 911 in a panic, telling the dispatcher he saw two men standing near the small park next to his house threatening to abduct children playing there. The officers who responded found nothing out of the ordinary, and rang the Johnsons’ doorbell.

He later told his mother he had heard a voice telling him to “protect the kids.”

He was hospitalized for the first time at 16, and given medications that stabilized him for stretches of time. But the crises would strike every six months or so, often triggered by his decision to stop taking his medication.

His family became adept at reading signs he was “getting sick.” He would put on his tan Timberlands and a heavy winter coat, no matter the season, and perch on the edge of his bed as if bracing for battle. Sometimes, he would cook his own food, paranoid that someone might poison him.

He graduated six months early, on the dean’s list, but was rudderless, and hanging out with younger boys, often paying their way.

His mother pointed out the perils of buying friendship.

“I don’t care,” he said. “At least I’ll be popular for a minute.”

Zion’s inviting green grid of Bible-named streets belies the reality that it is a rough, unforgiving place to grow up. Family members say Markus wanted desperately to prove he was tough, and emulated his younger, reckless group of friends.

Like many of them, he obtained a pistol. He used it to hold up a convenience store clerk for $425 in January 2017, according to police records. He cut a plea deal for two years of probation, and never explained to his family what had made him do it.

But he kept getting into violent confrontations. In late July 2018, he was arrested in a neighbor’s garage with a handgun he later admitted was his. He was still on probation for the robbery, and his public defender negotiated a plea deal that would send him to state prison until January 2020.

An inpatient mental health system

Around 40 percent of the about 1.8 million people in local, state and federal jails and prison suffer from at least one mental illness, and many of these people have concurrent issues with substance abuse, according to recent Justice Department estimates.

Psychological problems, often exacerbated by drug use, often lead to significant medical problems resulting from a lack of hygiene or access to good health care.

“When you suffer depression in the outside world, it’s hard to concentrate, you have reduced energy, your sleep is disrupted, you have a very gloomy outlook, so you stop taking care of yourself,” said Robert L. Trestman , a Virginia Tech medical school professor who has worked on state prison mental health reforms.

The paradox is that prison is often the only place where sick people have access to even minimal care.

But the harsh work environment, remote location of many prisons, and low pay have led to severe shortages of corrections staff and the unwillingness of doctors, nurses and counselors to work with the incarcerated mentally ill.

In the early 2000s, prisoners’ rights lawyers filed a class-action lawsuit against Illinois claiming “deliberate indifference” to the plight of about 5,000 mentally ill prisoners locked in segregated units and denied treatment and medication.

In 2014, the parties reached a settlement that included minimum staffing mandates, revamped screening protocols, restrictions on the use of solitary confinement and the allocation of about $100 million to double capacity in the system’s specialized mental health units.

Yet within six months of the deal, Pablo Stewart, an independent monitor chosen to oversee its enforcement, declared the system to be in a state of emergency.

Over the years, some significant improvements have been made. But Dr. Stewart’s final report , drafted in 2022, gave the system failing marks for its medication and staffing policies and reliance on solitary confinement “crisis watch” cells.

Ms. Grady, one of Mr. Johnson’s lawyers, cited an additional problem: a lack of coordination between corrections staff and Wexford’s professionals, beyond dutifully filling out dozens of mandated status reports.

“Markus Johnson was basically documented to death,” she said.

‘I’m just trying to keep my head up’

Mr. Johnson was not exactly looking forward to prison. But he saw it as an opportunity to learn a trade so he could start a family when he got out.

On Dec. 18, 2018, he arrived at a processing center in Joliet, where he sat for an intake interview. He was coherent and cooperative, well-groomed and maintained eye contact. He was taking his medication, not suicidal and had a hearty appetite. He was listed as 5 feet 6 inches tall and 256 pounds.

Mr. Johnson described his mood as “go with the flow.”

A few days later, after arriving in Danville, he offered a less settled assessment during a telehealth visit with a Wexford psychiatrist, Dr. Nitin Thapar. Mr. Johnson admitted to being plagued by feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and “constant uncontrollable worrying” that affected his sleep.

He told Dr. Thapar he had heard voices in the past — but not now — telling him he was a failure, and warning that people were out to get him.

At the time he was incarcerated, the basic options for mentally ill people in Illinois prisons included placement in the general population or transfer to a special residential treatment program at the Dixon Correctional Center, west of Chicago. Mr. Johnson seemed out of immediate danger, so he was assigned to a standard two-man cell in the prison’s general population, with regular mental health counseling and medication.

Things started off well enough. “I’m just trying to keep my head up,” he wrote to his mother. “Every day I learn to be stronger & stronger.”

But his daily phone calls back home hinted at friction with other inmates. And there was not much for him to do after being turned down for a janitorial training program.

Then, in the spring of 2019, his grandmother died, sending him into a deep hole.

Dr. Thapar prescribed a new drug used to treat major depressive disorders. Its most common side effect is weight gain. Mr. Johnson stopped taking it.

On July 4, he told Dr. Thapar matter-of-factly during a telehealth check-in that he was no longer taking any of his medications. “I’ve been feeling normal, I guess,” he said. “I feel like I don’t need the medication anymore.”

Dr. Thapar said he thought that was a mistake, but accepted the decision and removed Mr. Johnson from his regular mental health caseload — instructing him to “reach out” if he needed help, records show.

The pace of calls back home slackened. Mr. Johnson spent more time in bed, and became more surly. At a group-therapy session, he sat stone silent, after showing up late.

By early August, he was telling guards he had stopped eating.

At some point, no one knows when, he had intermittently stopped drinking fluids.

‘I’m having a breakdown’

Then came the crash.

On Aug. 12, Mr. Johnson got into a fight with his older cellmate.

He was taken to a one-man disciplinary cell. A few hours later, Wexford’s on-site mental health counselor, Melanie Easton, was shocked by his disoriented condition. Mr. Johnson stared blankly, then burst into tears when asked if he had “suffered a loss in the previous six months.”

He was so unresponsive to her questions she could not finish the evaluation.

Ms. Easton ordered that he be moved to a 9-foot by 8-foot crisis cell — solitary confinement with enhanced monitoring. At this moment, a supervisor could have ticked the box for “residential treatment” on a form to transfer him to Dixon. That did not happen, according to records and depositions.

Around this time, he asked to be placed back on his medication but nothing seems to have come of it, records show.

By mid-August, he said he was visualizing “people that were not there,” according to case notes. At first, he was acting more aggressively, once flicking water at a guard through a hole in his cell door. But his energy ebbed, and he gradually migrated downward — from standing to bunk to floor.

“I’m having a breakdown,” he confided to a Wexford employee.

At the time, inmates in Illinois were required to declare an official hunger strike before prison officials would initiate protocols, including blood testing or forced feedings. But when a guard asked Mr. Johnson why he would not eat, he said he was “fasting,” as opposed to starving himself, and no action seems to have been taken.

‘Tell me this is OK!’

Lt. Matthew Morrison, one of the few people at Danville to take a personal interest in Mr. Johnson, reported seeing a white rind around his mouth in early September. He told other staff members the cell gave off “a death smell,” according to a deposition.

On Sept. 5, they moved Mr. Johnson to one of six cells adjacent to the prison’s small, bare-bones infirmary. Prison officials finally placed him on the official hunger strike protocol without his consent.

Mr. Morrison, in his deposition, said he was troubled by the inaction of the Wexford staff, and the lack of urgency exhibited by the medical director, Dr. Justin Young.

On Sept. 5, Mr. Morrison approached Dr. Young to express his concerns, and the doctor agreed to order blood and urine tests. But Dr. Young lived in Chicago, and was on site at the prison about four times a week, according to Mr. Kaplan. Friday, Sept. 6, 2019, was not one of those days.

Mr. Morrison arrived at work that morning, expecting to find Mr. Johnson’s testing underway. A Wexford nurse told him Dr. Young believed the tests could wait.

Mr. Morrison, stunned, asked her to call Dr. Young.

“He’s good till Monday,” Dr. Young responded, according to Mr. Morrison.

“Come on, come on, look at this guy! You tell me this is OK!” the officer responded.

Eventually, Justin Duprey, a licensed nurse practitioner and the most senior Wexford employee on duty that day, authorized the test himself.

Mr. Morrison, thinking he had averted a disaster, entered the cell and implored Mr. Johnson into taking the tests. He refused.

So prison officials obtained approval to remove him forcibly from his cell.

‘Oh, my God’

What happened next is documented in video taken from cameras held by officers on the extraction team and obtained by The Times through a court order.

Mr. Johnson is scarcely recognizable as the neatly groomed 21-year-old captured in a cellphone picture a few months earlier. His skin is ashen, eyes fixed on the middle distance. He might be 40. Or 60.

At first, he places his hands forward through the hole in his cell door to be cuffed. This is against procedure, the officers shout. His hands must be in back.

He will not, or cannot, comply. He wanders to the rear of his cell and falls hard. Two blasts of pepper spray barely elicit a reaction. The leader of the tactical team later said he found it unusual and unnerving.

The next video is in the medical unit. A shield is pressed to his chest. He is in agony, begging for them to stop, as two nurses attempt to insert a catheter.

Then they move him, half-conscious and limp, onto a wheelchair for the blood draw.

For the next 20 minutes, the Wexford nurse performing the procedure, Angelica Wachtor, jabs hands and arms to find a vessel that will hold shape. She winces with each puncture, tries to comfort him, and grows increasingly rattled.

“Oh, my God,” she mutters, and asks why help is not on the way.

She did not request assistance or discuss calling 911, records indicate.

“Can you please stop — it’s burning real bad,” Mr. Johnson said.

Soon after, a member of the tactical team reminds Ms. Wachtor to take Mr. Johnson’s vitals before taking him back to his cell. She would later tell Dr. Young she had been unable to able to obtain his blood pressure.

“You good?” one of the team members asks as they are preparing to leave.

“Yeah, I’ll have to be,” she replies in the recording.

Officers lifted him back onto his bunk, leaving him unconscious and naked except for a covering draped over his groin. His expressionless face is visible through the window on the cell door as it closes.

‘Cardiac arrest.’

Mr. Duprey, the nurse practitioner, had been sitting inside his office after corrections staff ordered him to shelter for his own protection, he said. When he emerged, he found Ms. Wachtor sobbing, and after a delay, he was let into the cell. Finding no pulse, Mr. Duprey asked a prison employee to call 911 so Mr. Johnson could be taken to a local emergency room.

The Wexford staff initiated CPR. It did not work.

At 3:38 p.m., the paramedics declared Markus Mison Johnson dead.

Afterward, a senior official at Danville called the Johnson family to say he had died of “cardiac arrest.”

Lisa Johnson pressed for more information, but none was initially forthcoming. She would soon receive a box hastily crammed with his possessions: uneaten snacks, notebooks, an inspirational memoir by a man who had served 20 years at Leavenworth.

Later, Shiping Bao, the coroner who examined his body, determined Mr. Johnson had died of severe dehydration. He told the state police it “was one of the driest bodies he had ever seen.”

For a long time, Ms. Johnson blamed herself. She says that her biggest mistake was assuming that the state, with all its resources, would provide a level of care comparable to what she had been able to provide her son.

She had stopped accepting foster care children while she was raising Markus and his siblings. But as the months dragged on, she decided her once-boisterous house had become oppressively still, and let local agencies know she was available again.

“It is good to have children around,” she said. “It was too quiet around here.”

Read by Glenn Thrush

Audio produced by Jack D’Isidoro .

Glenn Thrush covers the Department of Justice. He joined The Times in 2017 after working for Politico, Newsday, Bloomberg News, The New York Daily News, The Birmingham Post-Herald and City Limits. More about Glenn Thrush

IMAGES

Essay on Dowry System
Paragraph On Dowry System 100, 150, 200, 250 to 300 Words for Kids
Essay On Dowry System
Dowry System Essay For Students In 700+ Words
Essay on Dowry System for Students
Write an essay on Dowry system / 10 lines on Dowry system / essay writing

VIDEO

ESSAY WRITING: DOWRY SYSTEM
The dowry system essay
||Essay On Dowry System In India||#study with Itishree
Essay on Dowry system for students in English|| Essay on Dowry system|| essay writing || essay
Indian Dowry System 😱|UPSC Interview 2024| #motivation
Shaadi Ko Aasaan Karo

COMMENTS

Dowry System Essay For Students In English
Dowry System Essay: 500+ Words Essay on Dowry System is provided here to help students write an effective essay on this topic. Usually, essays on topics related to social evil practices are asked in the exam. So, prepare them well to score high marks in the English exam.
Essay on Dowry System for Students and Children
500+ Words Essay on Dowry System. Dowry system is followed in India since a very long time. Our ancestors started this system for valid reasons but now it is leading to issues and problems in society. In this essay on dowry, we will see what dowry exactly is, how it started, and why it should be stopped now.
Dowry System Essay in English
Here are a few sample essays on 'dowry system'. 100 Words Essay On Dowry System. The dowry system in India is a long-standing practice and is deeply rooted in Indian culture. It is a pre-arranged agreement between two families and is usually decided at the time of marriage. The bride's family provides the groom's family with various ...
Essay On Dowry System in India
Short Term Effects of Dowry System - these effects of the dowry system are immediate and are a permanent fixture in the daily news. a. Injustice towards girls - dowry bears a huge financial obligation for the bride's family. As a consequence, a girl child is viewed a possible source of drain on the family's finances, ultimately an onus.
Essay on Dowry System
Long Essay on Dowry System 800 Words in English. Long Essay on Dowry System is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10. The dowry system has put the bride in a very sensitive situation because she is viewed as an asset that will help the groom's family amass more wealth and also this means she is a liability for her own family.
Dowry System Essay for Students in English
Download Important Essay on Dowry System for Students in English Free PDF from Vedantu. The Dowry system in India has been running for a long time. It is the money that is given during marriage to the boy or their family, even property can also be included in dowry. The system of dowry started in ancient times during marriage the money will be ...
Essay on Dowry System
Essay on Dowry System in 500+ Words. Dowry is a practice of demanding wealth in the form of money and gold to the bride's family by the groom's. It is an age-old practice followed in India by our ancestors. The origin of dowry might be a reason to consider it as valid. However, this practice has taken a demonic phase from the last few centuries ...
Essay on Dowry System for Students & Children 1000+ Words
The dowry system is sound when one takes it as a gift given to the bride by her parents. If the groom's parents demand money to get married as a "dowry", then that is entirely illegal and wrong. Hope you liked this informative essay on dowry system. In this article, read an essay on dowry system for students & children in 1000+ words.
Short Essay: Dowry System
Writing an essay on the topic of dowry system requires a comprehensive understanding of its historical, social, and cultural context, as well as a critical analysis of its impact on individuals and society. Dowry, a practice deeply ingrained in many societies, involves the exchange of money, goods, or property from the bride's family to the ...
Dowry System Essay
The first essay is a long essay on Dowry System of 400-500 words. This long essay about Dowry System is suitable for students of class 7, 8, 9 and 10, and also for competitive exam aspirants. The second essay is a short essay on Dowry System of 150-200 words. These are suitable for students and children in class 6 and below.
Short Essay on Dowry System [100, 200, 400 Words] With PDF
Advertisement In today's session, you will learn how you can actually write short essays on Dowry System within a predetermined word limit. There is going to be three different sets of essays covering different word limits. Short Essay on Dowry System in 100 Words Dowry is a marital ritual prevalent in several parts of India...
Essay on Dowry System for Students
Short Essay on Dowry System in India 250 words. Dowry System is one of the problems for the people at the time of marriage from ancient India. The Dowry system refers to transferring or giving money to the groom's family by the bride's family. Along with the money, the bride's family will offer various things like gold, silver, land, and ...
Dowry System Essay
Thus, students are often required to write a Dowry System Essay. Despite its distressing and deplorable effects on society, the Dowry System is still practised in a few and mostly non-urban parts of India. Hence, it is essential for us to understand how the system destroys the sanctity of marriages and has, in the past, taken many lives. ...
Essay on Dowry System (500 Words)
The Dowry system is perhaps the gravest social malady of India today. While other social evils like untouchability and the caste system are on the wane, the evil of the dowry system is assuming an alarming dimension. Even the enactment of the Dowry Prevention Act by the Central Government has failed to check the shameful practice.
Essay on Dowry System for all Class in 100 to 500 Words in English
Dowry System Essay 10 Lines (100 - 120 Words) 1) Dowry system is an old tradition been practiced for many generations in India. 2) In this system, the bride's family gives money and other gifts to the bridegroom's family. 3) The gifts include jewelry, furniture, and other household items. 4) It is viewed as a way of strengthening the bond ...
Essay on Dowry System for Children and Students in English
These Dowry system essays can be helpful in school or college essay writing, speech giving or debate competitions. Dowry System Essay - 1 (200 words) Dowry system entails giving huge amount of cash, jewellery and other gifts to the groom's family by the bride's parents as a condition at the time of marriage.
Dowry System Essay
Dowry System Essay - Source and Effects. The dowry system has been a major source of concern for many families in India over the years, as it has led to numerous cases of abuse, domestic violence, and even death. In many cases, the bride's family is unable to pay the demanded dowry, and the groom's family resorts to violence in order to ...
Essay on Dowry System for Students and Children in English
Published on 14 March 2023. Essay on Dowry System: Dowry System stands to be one of the most prevalent practices in India since ancient times. It is still in practice in a few parts of the nation. While the system has been abolished, there are many parents who have to pay a huge sum as a dowry in order to get their daughters married.
Paragraph On Dowry System 100, 150, 200, 250 to 300 Words for Kids
Paragraph on Dowry System - 100 Words for Classes 1, 2, and 3. Dowry is the process of transferring the father's property to the daughter at the time of her marriage. The dowry system has been for a long time in India. Since ancient times the transfer of belongings has been taking place. The purpose of dowry is to help settle the newly wedded.
Dowry System (Paragraph / Composition / Essay )
Paragraph Writing Dowry SystemIn Bangladesh, the tradition of giving and receiving property or money by the bridegroom during marriage, known as dowry, has become increasingly prevalent. However, merely enacting laws and regulations is not enough to eliminate this social curse. It requires a complete shift in societal mindset, which can be achieved with the active involvement of young men and ...
Essay on Dowry System
Dowry system has become one of the greatest social evils these days and hundreds of innocent lives have been lost. Even educated parents expect their daughter-in-law to bring money and gifts from her family. They use the dowry system as a short-cut to amass wealth. They torture someone else's daughter without thinking that their own daughter ...
Essay on "The Dowry System" Complete Essay for Class ...
THE CURSE OF DOWRY. Essay No. 01. 'Dowry' according to the dictionary, means the property which a woman brings to her husband at the time of her marriage. Originally, it must have meant property represented by the voluntary gifts given to the girl by her parents, relatives and friends out of love and affection, at the time of her marriage.
Dowry System Essay
Essay 2 (400 words) - Why dowry system still persists. Preface. Dowry system which started as a civilized process to help girls financially as they start their life afresh, has gradually become the worst practice of the society. Like child marriage, child labour, caste discrimination, gender inequality, dowry system etc. is also one of the ...
For Markus Johnson, Prison and Mental Illness Equaled a Death Sentence
It was 1:19 p.m. on Sept. 6, 2019, in the Danville Correctional Center, a medium-security prison a few hours south of Chicago. Mr. Johnson, 21 and serving a short sentence for gun possession, was ...

Dowry System Essay

Dowry System

How Can the Dowry System be Stopped?

Frequently asked Questions on Dowry System Essay

Why is the Dowry-system an important topic for essay writing?

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFs

Essay on Dowry System for Students and Children

History Of Dowry

Why the Dowry System Should be Stopped?

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Download the App

Products & Resources

Colleges & Courses

Predictors & E-Books

Predictors & Articles

Top Courses & Careers

Quick Links

Diploma Colleges

Upcoming Events

Other Exams

Top Countries

Student Visas

Engineering Preparation

Medical Preparation

Online Courses

Top Streams

Specializations

Top Providers

Dowry System Essay in English

100 Words Essay On Dowry System

200 Words Essay On Dowry System

500 Words Essay On Dowry System

Negative Impact Of Dowry System

Applications for Admissions are open.

Aakash iACST Scholarship Test 2024

ALLEN Digital Scholarship Admission Test (ADSAT)

JEE Main Important Physics formulas

PW JEE Coaching

PW NEET Coaching

JEE Main Important Chemistry formulas

Download Careers360 App's

We Appeared in

Download Important Essay on Dowry System for Students in English Free PDF from Vedantu

The History of Dowry

What are the Effects of the Dowry System?

How to tackle the Social Evil of Dowry?

What do People think of the Dowry System?

FAQs on Dowry System Essay for Students in English

Essay on Dowry System for Students and Children in 1000+ Words

Essay on Dowry System for Students and Children (1000+ Words)

History of Dowry System in India

Causes of Dowry System in India

2. Society Structure

3. Religious Dictates

4. Social Constraints

5. Social Status of Women

Effects of Dowry System

3. Violence Against Women

4. Economic Burden

5. Gender Inequality

Why Should the Dowry System be Stopped?

Solutions to Stop Dowry System

2. Enforcement

3. Social Awareness

4. Overhaul of Mindsets

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Short Essay: Dowry System

Dowry System Essay Tips

Dowry System Essay Example #1

Dowry System Essay Example #2

Dowry System Essay Example #3

About Mr. Greg

Short Essay on Dowry System [100, 200, 400 Words] With PDF

Short Essay on Dowry System in 100 Words

Short Essay on Dowry System in 200 Words

Short Essay on Dowry System in 400 Words

Essay on Dowry System for Students | PDF Download

Short Essay on Dowry System in India 250 words