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Marriage in India is an integral part of the culture and hence it is not something that has always been followed in the country. Looking back, we find that marriage in India was once nothing more than a contract between two families to bring about social stability. In certain communities even today, this tradition prevails. Despite such changes in marriage trends, there are still many Indians who are right now witnessing pressure to marry within their castes and communities. This is why people find it difficult to share their choice of partner with the elders, friends, and relatives. Their reason for this is that they will be teased by the remarks, remarks, and embarrassment of their family members.
Problems and conflicts arise when members of two different castes or communities fall in love with each other. Reason being that generally, both the families do not approve of inter-caste marriages for many reasons. One of the main reasons is an attitude where they think that if their child opted for inter-caste marriage, then he/she will take a stand against his/her culture and go against the values of his family. Marriage is the most sacred union that brings joy, happiness, and harmony to people’s life. It connects two hearts and transforms loneliness into the company. Along with the responsibility of changing life, it also comes with a big social pressure because of which this political theory can’t be overlooked by youngsters while they are deciding to marry someone from a community different than their own.
However, despite the changing trends in our country, matrimonial ads and social media platforms are flooded with caste-based requirements, and many couples from inter-caste relationships suffer lots of humiliation for marrying their life partner. Almost every parent would never accept this relationship as they do not consider their children’s choice as the right decision. Unfortunately, there is also a sizeable portion of our people who can’t see beyond their caste and religion. They live in the era of narrow minds and hate everything which isn’t the “in-their-community” type. People who can’t think independently consider inter-caste marriage as taboo.
In India, the caste system is followed rigorously. People do not prefer to marry outside their community because of the deep-rooted customs and traditions. In Indian culture, any differences in community or caste signify a huge gap between two people. Indian society is diverse and tolerant; however inter-community marriages are not favored by families because of the difference in the cultures of different communities. Comparing them, we can say that inter-caste marriage is accepted more than inter-racial one in India. It is difficult for the people from the two different communities to follow the traditions and rituals of each other. Coming together of the two cultures may create disharmony in their family. As far as urban areas are concerned, especially the families belonging to the middle class and upper-middle-class have become more open towards this trend. Today, a generation later, these caste hierarchies still exist even though India has gained independence.