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Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide.

Print Price: $43.95

Format:
Paperback
360 pp.
140 mm x 215 mm

ISBN-13:
9780198063612

Publication date:
July 2009

Imprint: OUP India


Contentious Marriages, Eloping Couples

Gender, Caste, and Patriarchy in Northern India

Dr. Prem Chowdhry

This book deals with the widespread phenomenon of contentious marriages and elopements in rural and semi-urban north India, specifically in the state of Haryana. Such challenges to norms and customs have escalated in recent times, and have become more complex due to the changing dynamics of power between, and within, caste groups. As the runaway couples question the authority of family, caste, and community, the traditional powers have become more dictatorial and often reacted with violence.

The study shows how the colonial order strengthened caste endogamy and posed a serious challenge to inter-caste marriage. It also focuses on the intervention of the caste panchayats, and seeks to explain both how and why these patriarchal bodies wield extra-judicial power despite post-colonial changes in law and polity. Further, the book demonstrates how the state colludes with the traditional forces to de-legitimize attempts to break out of the traditional system, thus often overriding the legal rights and human rights of individuals. The volume also discusses the implications of the Hindu Succession Act of 1956 for women. It also shows how the emergence of a restricted marriage market, skewed sex ratio, an escalating dowry economy, and extensive unemployment have created a crisis of masculinity, power, and domination.

The book takes an inter-disciplinary approach and draws insights from sociology, gender studies, history, popular culture, politics, and law towards understanding the concepts of caste, community, and honour in contemporary Indian society. It is based on extensive fieldwork, interviews, official and legal documents, and archival material. It will be of interest to scholars of sociology, history, popular culture, politics, law, and gender studies.

Readership : Suitable for scholars of sociology, history, popular culture, politics, law, and gender studies.

Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. Colonial period: Creeping Rigidity
2. Post-colonial Haryana: Caste Endogamy and Traditional Panchayats
3. Inter-Caste Marriages: Defying Cultural Norms
4. Cases of Runaway Marriage: State Intervention
5. Controlling Remarriage: Post-Colonial Strengthening of the Levirate
6. Understanding Local Perceptions: Caste Stereotypes and Cultural Explanations
7. Social Factors: Political Economy of Contentious Marriages
Epilogue: Complexities and Concerns
Glossary
Bibliography
Index

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Prem Chowdhry is an independent researcher and Former Fellow of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library in New Delhi.

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Special Features

  • Focuses on contemporary society in Haryana and its problems.
  • Highlights the role of the state agencies, media, and the judicial system in legitimizing patriarchal concepts and practices.
  • Inter-disciplinary study.