Dowry in Web-Arranged Marriages: Illustrations from the Field

Though the institution of dowry has existed long, the rise in modern dowry has perplexed many scholars, particularly in Indian societies. With extravagant marriages taking the limelight, modern-day dowries are accompanied by lavish ceremonies that entail newer kinds of wedding expenses. Based on in-depth interviews, the paper seeks to explore the overt and covert existence of dowry practice and marital transactions in online matchmaking in India. Using a sociological perspective, it looks at how the individual, family and community makes decision with regard to dowry and marital transactions. A study of this kind reflects upon the impact of internet technology on customary practices with regard to family and marriage in India and shows how dowry is still practiced in diverse forms as a custom, demand and disguised as streedhana.