The Evolution of Marriage

Joshua C., Corey L. World Studies A2

(An example of typical Indian wedding festivities, a dance is usually preformed for the bride and the groom)

 Over the last couple centuries, Indian customs have changed dramatically because of modernization and of British Colonialism.  The British are the reason and the driving force for Indian modernization and westernization.  One of the most affected aspects of Indian tradition and culture was their dating and marriage customs.  Many British laws and restrictions were passed in the 1800s that set limits of age and banishing of certain ceremonies. For example, in 1929 the British government passed the Hindu marriage Restraint Act that made it illegal for Hindu people to marry before the age of 14, but it was rarely enforced.  Before these series of acts started being passed around the turn of the century, young Hindu girls were being married off without their consent and before the current average age.  Another change in the wedding customs is that nowadays wedding ceremonies are very complicated due to multiple additions to tradition, while a couple of centuries ago weddings were very simple, but still filled with rich culture. Over the years of colonialism and foreign influence, Indian ceremonies have become some of the most unique ceremonies in the Eastern Hemisphere.  We have decided on this topic because of the great contrast between the different marriage customs before and after British colonialism.  The fact that the evolution of tradition can change in a heartbeat can leave anyone awestruck.

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Over many centuries Indian Marriage clothing has greatly changed.  In more traditional clothing (top left) there is much more detail in the fabric, while in more modern clothing (top right) it is more sleek and simple.

http://www.homeindia.com/Products.aspx?mList=2&ctgintid=440&spId=758  

http://z.hubpages.com/u/974871_f260.jpg

Script:

Traditional vs. Modern Marriage and Dating

Mom: Varun, what do you think about getting married your father and I have found you a nice girl.

Varun: I already told you I don’t want to be in an arranged marriage.

Mom: your father and I were arranged look how happy we turned out.

Varun: That may have worked for you guys, but I’m very different from both of you. Why can’t I make my own decisions?

Mom: What do you know about decisions I am your elder I know what’s best for you, you need to learn how to respect me. You are so young always making rash decisions, living for the moment, you won’t be able to find a marriage that will last. I’ve been through this I know what is best for you.

Varun: I just don’t want to end up like some of my friends, their parents only married them to the person based on their caste status, only doing this for their own benefit, not even concerned for the compatibility between the two. They were stuck in an unhappy marriage , I don’t want to end up like that.

Mom: its ok your father and I would never let you be unhappy, we promise to carefully evaluate the person that we want you to marry.

Varun: Times are changing arranged marriage are now an option, no longer is it the only way to start a family. Please just let me pick my own bride; it’s my life to live, not yours.

Mom: All I want is for you to be happy… fine pick who you like, but you need my approval still.

Varun: I promise you’ll be pleased, thank you so much I’m glad this tug of war is over.