DOWRY: A Detiriorated Custom

Dowry system is one of the popular issues among the Indian community.  The dowry system plays the most important role among the social evils that prevails and plagues Indian society. The dowry system was initiated with the intention of providing security for a girl in case of unexpected circumstances after marriage. The parents gave whatever they could for their daughter. After some period of time, the dowry system has grown into a greedy monster which deteriorated the custom. The dowry system is mistreated by others in the Indian community as in the short story, “Everything Arranged” and “Question of Dowry”. This both story shows how a girl’s life can be affected because of this dowry system.

                Firstly, in “Everything Arranged”, the dowry system is clearly treated in a wrong way. Devanayaki was stopped from studying at university once her parents thought she is in love with Chinese boy, Johny. But, the bridegroom’s family wants an educated girl in their family, so they promised the bridegroom’s family that she will be a undergraduate. Once they stopped her from university, they cover up the story by willing to pay extra 20,000 as the dowry. This shows that for her parents, Devanayaki is a saleable ‘thing’. Thins is extremely unacceptable in this era.

                Meanwhile, in “Question of Dowry”, Sivasothie is treated as a toy by her family and the bridegroom’s family. For the bride, the necklace is more important than Sivasothie. He just wanted the money and property rather than her. Until the end, they only bother about their own stuff’s but failed to consider Sivasothie’s feelings. They just wanted her to accept whatever decided by them.

                From both of the stories, we can clearly see that the dowry system is not treated fairly. The original custom is not followed but they deteriorated it. The awareness should begin from the schools and colleges in which the student community should be properly educated against the evils of dowry system.