International Journal of Research ISSN NO:2236-6124

Dowry System in Coastal Villages of District in

M. SAHAYA VENNILA Research Scholar (Reg. No.10071) PG Department of Economics and Research Centre S.T. Hindu College, – 629 002. (Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Abishekapatti, – 627 012, Tamil Nadu, India)

Prof. V. THIRUSELVAN Associate Professor and Head (Research Supervisor) PG Department of Economics and Research Centre S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoil – 629 002. (Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Abishekapatti, Tirunelveli – 627 012, Tamil Nadu, India) ______

Abstract: In India, the concept of dowry had its origin in the system of ‘Sthreedhan’ that is a woman’s share of parental wealth given to her at the time of her marriage. As the women had no right to inherit a share of ancestral properties, her share was given as a voluntary gift by her (the bride’s) family to the groom’s family with a view to enhance the financial security of the new family of the bride. This system was widely prevalent and was not considered as a social evil because the purpose of giving dowry was genuinely considered as holistic and it formed part of the marriage rites. This paper seeks to highlight the origin, present anti-dowry laws, the basic reason for failure in eradicating dowry system, how it is a stumbling block to the economic progress and the only solution to end the menace of dowry system – with special reference to the coastal villages of Kanyakumari District in Tamil Nadu.

Key Words – Dowry, Coastal Areas, Eradication of Dowry System, Anti-Dowry Laws.

Introduction

India, the country with one of the oldest of civilizations, a kaleidoscopic variety and rich cultural heritage, has made rapid strides on the economic front during the past years of its Independence. It has achieved self- sufficiency in all aspects. Yet, one of the burning issues that has been haunting the country for centuries is the dowry-menace. The country is yet to get freedom from this man-made evil. Among the social evils that prevail and plague Indian society, the dowry system plays the most devastating role. It has spread out its tentacles far and wide in the society affecting almost every section of the society. The prevalence of dowry is very high among the fisherfolk in coastal villages of Kanyakumari District and its adverse impact is one of the reasons that made the fisherfolk reel under abject poverty.

Origin of Dowry System – An Overview

Originally what was given out of affection and humility as ‘Sthreedhan’ came to be commercialized. Virtue was vulgarized and like securities the market is also fluctuating. The ‘duty of giving dowry’ later became the ‘essential negoti’ of marriage transact in ancient India. Dharmashastras condemned not only the sale of girl but also the sale of son in marriage. Though condemned by shastras and Dharmashastras, bride-price continued for a long time in society and later developed into a regular institution. The extent of havoc played by this practice and is still playing a crucial role bringing untold ruin to numberless families.

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Today, the dowry is negotiated and it has degenerated into a mere means for the groom and his family to increase their material wealth and raise their standard of living. Crossing the religious, cultural, caste and communal barriers, this social evil is now omnipresent in spite of widespread social campaign and stringent anti- dowry laws which have been in operation for the past decades. Dowry as a societal institution was very much prevalent in coastal villages of Kanyakumari District even in 1544 when St. Xavier visited and popularized Catholicism in coastal villages of Kanyakumari District.

Present Anti-Dowry Laws

The Dowry Prohibition Act 1961 (amended in 1984 and 1986) prohibits taking, giving or demanding dowry. The IPC amended in 1983 in 1983 outlaws dowry related cruelty by husband and his relatives. Further amendment of IPC in 1986 provides that dowry deaths are punishable with imprisonment between 7 years and life. Besides, the Code of Criminal Procedure mandates a police investigation into deaths of women under suspicious circumstances that occur within seven years of marriage. The Indian Evidence Act was amended to create a presumption of dowry death whenever a woman was subjected to dowry related cruelty or harassment soon before her death.

Fundamental Cause for Failure in Eradication of Dowry System

Neither the legal measures nor the anti-dowry campaign programmes could eradicate or reduce the practice of dowry which still continues to be highly institutionalized in the society. The main cause is the conflicting attitude of people towards the dowry. Whereas most of the groom’s families consider dowry, a means to increase their material wealth and raise their standard of living, majority of the brides’ families especially middle and lower class hold the view that if dowry is not given the bride would lose her reverence and respect in the groom’s family which in turn paves the way for torture by in-laws, harassment by husband and broken marriage. Most of the affluent classes giving the dowry treat it as a family honour. Thus the receiver and giver are for dowry but with conflicting attitudes, the former considering it a chance to grab and later giving it out of fear or honour.

As long as the giver has the capacity to pay what is demanded by the receiver, no problem arises. But the same capacity will not be there in the case of middle and low class sections of the fisherfolk. The situation is such that the only solution to the dowry menace is to eradicate the attitude itself. It is with this aim the Indian anti- dowry laws prohibit receiving and giving dowry. With the 100 percent result eluding the emergence of a new strong mechanism is the need of the hour to erase the attitude towards dowry.

Profile of Coastal Villages in Kanyakumari District

Kanyakumari district which accounts for the highest percentage of fisherfolk in Tamil Nadu has 42 fishing hamlets along the 71.5 km long coastal belt. With meager seasonal and irregular income, the fisherfolk of the district find it extremely difficult to make both the ends meet. Living in abject poverty, they are at the lowest ebb of their profile in-terms of socio-economic progress. They are the outsiders of mainstream development process despite many social welfare measures implemented by government. The housing, sanitation and drinking water facilities are highly inadequate. At present most of the fisherfolk in the coastal belt live in thatched and tiled houses. The literacy rate among them is very low. The population density is 1924 persons per sq.km. as against the national average of 32.4 persons.

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Their poor living conditions lead to the definition of the coastal village as the place of the wretched. Table 1 gives general details of marine fisherfolk in Kanyakumari District which can be compared with the state level profile of fisherfolk. Table 1: General Information of Marine Fisherfolk in Kanyakumari District Kanyakumari District Tamil Nadu State Fisherfolk population 137940 679711 Employed fisherfolk (Nos.) 43860 231812 Engaged in fishing allied (Nos.) 35603 172744 Employed in Govt. & private sectors (Nos.) 5896 51140 Number of houses 2361 7890 Number of fishermen households 29203 143765 Mechanized boats 1383 8056 Non-mechanised crafts 9366 41712 Marine fish production (tones) 36846 363000 Annual per capita income (Rs.) 2465 2214 Source: Tamil Nadu Marine Fisherfolk Census, 2000. Dept. of Fisheries, .

Attitude Towards Dowry

The present attitude of fisherfolk towards dowry is as follows: The concept of dowry is very much prevalent in all coastal villages of Kanyakumari District. It continues as a societal institution. A survey conducted in 2003 by India Today revealed that the amount of dowry given in Tamil Nadu is the highest in Kanyakumari District. It is also highest among the coastal fisherfolk. Not giving dowry or giving a low amount as dowry is regarded as a dishonor both by the families of groom and bride. A higher amount of dowry is expected by the family of the bridegroom – if the bride groom has a permanent job or business; if the groom is handsome but the bride is not fair and is black in complexion; if the bridegroom hails from a rich family and has a own house; if the groom does not take liquor and has a good character; and if there are a number of unmarried sisters for the groom.

A low amount of dowry is expected to be given by the family of bride – if the bride is fair and highly educated whereas the groom is not handsome and not much educated; if the bride has a permanent job or business with a regular income whereas the groom does not have either; if bride hails from a rich family but groom is from a poor family with no own house and if it is a love marriage conducted at the initiative of the bridegroom.

The groom’s family considers dowry a means to increase their material wealth and the bride’s family view the dowry as a means to enhance the financial security of the newly wedded couple and they deem this as a family honour. Moreover, the bride’s family fears that if proper dowry is not given, the bride will lose reverence and respect towards groom’s family. Thus the bride’s family gives dowry out of fear and honour.

The present attitude of the coastal people about dowry lends credence to the rewriting of the proverb ‘marriages are made in heaven’, into ‘marriage are made by horoscope, earning capacity of the bride groom, amount of dowry, vehicle (to the groom), electrical & electronics appliances for the house and number of gold sovereigns.

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Dowry: Stumbling Block to the Economic Progress

The economic progress of fisherfolk in Kanykumari District is hampered by four major factors. These are irregular and inadequate income, unwise spending pattern, the large amount of dowry given and sticking-still-on to traditional fishing craft. The cultural progress is hampered by other factors such as illiteracy, absence of sense of hygiene, high population density and addiction to alcohol. These factors come in the way of economic and cultural progress of fisherfolk. Giving large amount of dowry, which is beyond the earning and economic capacity of family plunges the family into a debt trap so deep that a resurgence is highly impossible. Many families in coastal villages of Kanyakumari district still reel under heavy indebtedness. This indebtedness passes on to next generations, as the sum borrowed is large and that too on usurious interest.

Dowry in Coastal Villages – Cost-Effect Analysis

The amount of dowry given by different strata of fishermen households varies according to their income level. The different strata of households on the basis of level of income are households of mechanized boat owners, motorized-craft owners & fish merchants and others including working fishermen, fishermen with traditional crafts and fishermen engaged in fishing and allied activities. These three groups of households in the district account for 3%, 12% and 85% respectively. Table 2 presents average cost and resulting effects in the form of debts incurred by each group to marry off a female offspring in the family.

Type of Household Motorized Craft Items Mechanized Boat Traditional Craft Owner/ Owner Fishermen & Others Fish Merchant Proportion of households 3% 12% 85% among the total households in the district (Rs.) (Rs.) (Rs.) Gold, 3,00,000 2,50,000 1,50,000 Property, - - - Cash, and 3,00,000 2,50,000 1,50,000 Post-marriage gifts 50,000 30,000 20,000 Total Dowry 6,50,000 5,30,000 3,20,000 Marriage Expenses 1,00,000 70,000 50,000 Less: Gifts/donations 50,000 40,000 30,000 received during the marriage Cost of marriage 7,00,000 5,60,000 3,40,000 Expenses on delivery of first 20,000 12,000 8,000 baby (including gifts to the new-born baby) Total Cost 7,20,000 5,72,000 3,48,000 Source of funds: Owned 5,76,000 (80%) 4,00,400 (70%) 1,74,000 (50%) borrowed 1,44,000 (20%) 1,71,600 (30%) 1,74,000 (50%) Rate of Interest 24% p.a. 36% p.a. 36% p.a. Monthly Interest on Rs.2,880 Rs.5,148 Rs.5,220 borrowed fund Volume 7, Issue XI, November/2018 Page No:405 InternationalMonthly Income Journal (take- homeof Research Rs.30,000 Rs.10,000 ISSN NO:2236-6124Rs.1,875 income) Annual Income 3,60,000 1,20,000 22,500 No. of times annual income 1.94 4.67 1547 cover the total cost of marriage Approximate household Rs.3,000 Rs.250 Rs.1,800 food expenses and other basic expenses per month Amount available to payoff 27,000 7,750 75 borrowed sum plus interest No. of years taken to settle ½ year 5 yrs Impossible to settle even the interest and the principal the interest sum borrowed for marriage

Table 2 reveals that fishermen of traditional craft and others will never be able to settle their debts due to the payment of dowry. The main reasons for their falling into such a deep debt trap are – low income due to non- mechanisation of their fishing craft, higher rate of interest on the borrowed sum as they are coming under low income group bordering the risk factor with regard to repayment of principal sum and higher cost of marriage which is far beyond their economic capacity nearly 15.47 times of their annual income, whereas it is just 1.94 times and 4.67 times in the case of mechanized boat owner and motorized craft owner/ fish merchant respectively. With the meager earning they are not able to settle even the interest accrued on the borrowed sum. Thus this debt which passes on to the next generation, causes a stumbling block to the economic progress of the family, unless there is some windfall income in the form of a big catch of fish. The condition is not so worse in the case of motorized craft owners who, with their normal income, can settle the debts due to dowry within five years and the boat owner in half a year due to higher income. Based on observations and experiences, the general tendency of the coastal people are revealed, while there may be a few exceptions and deviations as warranted by the sampling fluctuations.

Only Solution to End Dowry Menace: Change of Attitude

The basic reason for high prevalence of dowry in coastal belt of Kanyakumari district is the strong attitude in favour of dowry among the fisherfolk. Unless and until there is a spontaneous change in this attitude, it will continue as an undesirable societal institution with strong vigour. Creation of a role-model village against dowry may change the attitude of people in other coastal villages also. Publicity and patronage of such a model village by NGOs and by the stakeholders of fishermen community may pave way for formation other model villages as all the coastal villages in Kanyakumari District are very close and adjacent.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the prevalence of high dowry system among the fisher folk in coastal villages of Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu has its adverse impact. The fishermen of traditional craft and others will never be able to settle their debts due to payment of dowry. The main reasons for such a deep debt trap are (i) low income (ii) higher rate of interest on the borrowed sum (iii) high cost of marriage which is far beyond their economic activity. Thus, this debt which passes on to the next generation, causes a stumbling block to economic progress.

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The need of the hour thus is the creation of awareness among the fisherfolk to change the present attitude towards dowry so as to make the cost of marriage realistic, encouraging mechanization of existing fishing craft and educating the fisherfolk to go in for alternative gainful employment activities other than fishing which in turn will reduce fishing pressure, considering that the fisheries resources are fast depleting.

References:

[1] L. Stem Bach, I: Judicial Studies in Ancient Indian Law 412 (1965). [2] Statistical Hand Book of Tamil Nadu 2001, Dept. of Economics and Statistics, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, 2002. [3] Policy Note 2003-04, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Dept. Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, 2003. [4] John Kurien, Towards a New Agenda for Sustainable Small Scale Fisheries Development, South India Federation of Fishermen Sangams, , 1996. [5] Tamil Nadu Marine Fish Rev. for Fisherfolk Census 2000, Dept. of Fisheries, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Chennai. [6] Statistical Outline of India 2002, Tata Services Ltd., , 2002. [7] Census of Kanyakumari District on Fishing Fleets, South Indian Federation of fishermen Sangams, Thiruvanvnthapuram, 2003.

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