Inter-caste marriage in India is still a controversial issue for many families. We still haven’t come to terms with abolishing the caste system in our country even though our laws prohibit caste discrimination.
India is a country with diverse religions and castes. Every religion is given equal respect and honour. But many ancient beliefs are still practised in India despite the rapid urbanisation and economic growth. As India is becoming more globalised, many families still have an orthodox mindset about inter-caste marriages.
"The law is yet to categorise crimes arising out of inter-caste marriages," writes YKA user Sunil Kumar https://t.co/bxVdR9esez
— Youth Ki Awaaz (@YouthKiAwaaz) February 21, 2020
Marriage holds a sacred position in India in which two individuals tie a knot to remain with each other till the next seven rebirths. Community-based marriage systems are still considered at the top of the list despite the proliferation of small families and upliftment of people.
Marriages are often regarded as being “made in heaven”, but it is a hell for the couple when the term “caste” comes into play. The caste system has prevailed in India since the time of the Vedas. The concept of the caste system has been rooted so deep that it is almost impossible for the people to come out of that idea.
The Actual Crime Of Discrimination
Although prohibited by the law under Article 15 of the Indian Constitution, discrimination on the basis of caste is still practised.
A remarkable judgment delivered by the Madras High Court stated that Indian inter-caste marriages would help uproot the caste system. In the Supreme Court Of India, Chief Justice Dipak Mishra held a judgment in 2018 where he stated that when two consenting adults decide to get married, no third party can intervene, nor can they be subject to any violence, assault or harassment.
But in most parts of India, especially in rural areas, inter-caste marriages are not accepted. It is still a sin for which there is no penance. Marrying within the same Gotra has been forbidden for ages. Luck does not favour everyone. It may lead to a destructive path that can create a huge mess.
If a girl or a boy marries outside the community or their caste, honour killing is practised. It is defined as killing for honour, a death that is awarded to the girl or a boy by their own family members for marrying against their wish in order to keep their family pride.
These agonising issues are being faced for ages. Many social reformers tried to look at the concept of inter-caste marriages, but their names have not been mentioned in any of the history books. Movies like Bajirao Mastani, Jodhaa Akbar, 2 States and many more films show a blend of culture.
Isn’t it obvious that if it were wrong, God would prevent it? We are so busy worrying about society, our pride that we cannot see that God is not against it. He blesses his children in his own way. So remember, if you ever feel angry, it is only you, and everyone else is blessed with their loved one.