To what extent are the rules of endogamy, hyper gamy, exogamy and arranged marriages operative today? Inter-caste marriages are now recognised by law and take place on a larger scale than before. These inter-caste marriages constitute only a very small proportion of the total number of marriages taking place. They are increasing at a slow rate.

Caste endogamy is still highly relevant in the context of the patterns of selection of spouse. Many caste organisations devise all kinds of strategies to confine marriages within their castes and sub-castes. There is even marriage Mallas to ensure that the choice of the spouse is made within the particular sub-caste.

Though majority of marriages continue to be arranged by parents/elders, the pattern of choosing one’s spouse has undergone some modifications today, we find the following patterns.

(i) Marriage by parents, elders, choice without consulting either the boy or girl.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

(ii) Marriage by self choice

(iii) Marriage by self choice but with the parents’ consent

(iv) Marriage by parents’ choice but with the consent of both boy and the girl involved in the marriage.

(v) Marriage by parent’s choice but with the consent of only one of the two partners involved. Very often, the boy is consulted and his consent is taken. Parents/elders do not think it is important to ask the girl whether she approves the match. Among urban educated classes arranged marriage with the consent of the boy and the girl is today the most preferred pattern.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

Marriages are even arranged through newspaper advertisement for both the boy and the girl.