The dowry system began when gifts were given to a daughter at the time of her marriage by her father. Originally called streedhan (a woman's wealth) it was given because, in India, the law forbade a woman to inherit property. 

Despite apparently noble intentions, traditions of this nature usually degenerate when ritualised. Today, the demand for gifts far exceeds the means of a bride's family; women are pitifully harassed when these demands cannot be met to the extent that dowry-taking has now been officially outlawed. However, society continues to indulge in the practice: it is almost an integral part of the economic system. The rich use dowries to dispose of “illegal” monies; the poor give more than they can afford to raise their social status. 

The practice of dowry and subsequent problems due to dowry are prevalent in all strata of society, and harassment on account of it follows a frighteningly predictable pattern. Dowry would be given at the time of a marriage, but demands would continue. Often the situation culminated in the daughter killing herself or being murdered; but it would be reported as suicide or an accident. Only when women's groups intervened were files re-opened and investigated thoroughly; even so, successful prosecutions are rare. 

Beautifully drawn in the traditional Madhubani style ‘Shubh-Vivah’ examined the attitudes towards women that prevail from birth and emphasises the vital role education and economic independence play in gaining freedom for women.

Description source: Circles catalogue (1987). Edited by Jenny Holland and Jane Harris.