It has been established that dowry is a social evil and people have been fighting to eradicate it from society since time immemorial. But has it ceased to exist today? Definitely not.
And this demand, usually from the groom’s side, doesn’t just stop at getting cash or a vehicle. A Reddit user on an Indian group shared how in the name of ‘no-demands’ they ended up extracting money close to Rs 1 crore from the bride’s side.
What are some of the most outrageous Dowry demands you have come across? from india
Sharing the ordeal, the user wrote:
Recently my Cousin got a proposal from a guy’s family, we reached the point of going forward with the engagement. FYI the guy earns about 10-20% more than the girl and both families are of almost the same social class. The guy’s family initially said they have “no-demands”, as we got closer to wedding they started mentioning rituals they follow like gold bangles when the guy’s sister visits the girls house, how the girl’s parents should buy a house of the couple to stay in as it is the norm of the day. Added up it came about Rs 1cr etc in the form on “no-demand gifts”. (sic)
Towards the end of the post, the user asked desis to share stories of people making outrageous demands as dowry. And the thread was flooded with several instances:
Paid off insurance premium as dowry.
Minting money in the name of ‘customs’.
Taking money and gifts is a matter of pride for many.
Some said that this ridiculous tradition is dying in their community.
As for this user’s cousin, she called off the wedding as they couldn’t afford it.
I think this woman did the right thing by calling off the wedding with such corrupt people. Every woman should make a call and definitely become financially independent. What do you think?