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Marriages between people of different castes are not common in India because there is a rigid caste system which has existed since Ancient times in India. Inter-caste couples face ostracisation, harassment, death threats and even honour killing. Efforts have been made to promote Intercaste marriages through Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages and Supreme Court guidelines in Shakti Vahini case.
Hindu society, since ancient times has been organised based on castes/ jatis. People were divided into four main castes (brahmin, kshatriya, vaishya & shudras), which were assigned on birth based on the family you were born in. Castes are ranked one above the other to assign status and prestige. Caste membership has many strict rules which have existed. One of these rules is about ‘endogamus’ marriages i.e. marriage is permitted only with people in your own community. Hence, ‘inter caste’ marriage to someone of a different caste was prohibited to ensure that there was no intermingling.
Caste system, is one of the most rigid social discrimination mechanisms which has continued till today because of how deeply it is rooted in consciousness of people. It is a social hierarchy categorizes people into different groups based on their birth which historically determined their occupation and social status.
Intercaste marriage refers to a marriage between individuals belonging to different castes. It is against the typical norm of caste endogamy in India. But, gradually its acceptance is increasing in the society.
Yes, Intercaste marriage is legal in India. Right to marry a person of one’s own choice is a Fundamental Right available under Article 21. Special Marriages Act of 1954 also provides a legal framework allowing marriages between individuals of different religions, castes, or communities
Yes,financial incentives to promote intercaste marriages, particularly those between individuals from Scheduled Castes (SCs) and non-SC communities are provided by Indian government under Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages. States also run specific schemes to provide financial assistance to such couples.
According to the Indian Human Development Survey (2012), less than 5% marriages in India as inter-caste. Since Indian independence, the Constitution of India has banned caste based discrimination.In fact, the Hindu Marriage Act, 1956 also permitted inter-caste marriages. However, in some parts of society, there is social ostracization, assault and even murder of couples who undertake intercaste marriages. It is because inter-caste marriages are looked at as a violation of ancient Hindu values.
Caste system, is one of the most rigid social discrimination mechanisms which has continued till today because of how deeply it is rooted in consciousness of people.
Intercaste marriage refers to a marriage between individuals belonging to different castes. In Indian society, caste endogamy is practiced traditionally which means marriage within same caste. Hence, Intercaste marriages are often considered as a taboo in the traditional Indian families. But, gradually acceptance to intercaste marriages is increasing due to increased sense of equality in the society. Intercaste marriages are often seen as a means to reduce caste discrimination and promote social integration. It is also used as a symbol of social progress.
Importance of Inter-Caste Marriages in Dismantling Caste: Dr. BR Ambedkar said that inter-caste marriages were a key way to annihlate the caste system. As these marriages break down strict caste divisions between people which are sustained on kin networks. Dr. Ambedkar also identified promotion of education, industrialisation, urbanization, meritocratic appointment of priests etc as potent modes of abolishing caste in India.
People in inter-caste marriages have faced violence and even death from their families and communities. Hence, it is important that their constitutional and legal rights are protected. At the same time, more awareness through programmes and moral education at school level can help to dismantle caste biases.
Intercaste marriages can change the face of caste discrimination in India as it will abolish caste based discrimination and untouchability. Through it we can truly achieve the goals set out in the Constitution of equality and fraternity among all in society and secure liberty for all individuals.
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