Arranged Marriages in Traditional and Modern Indian Culture and Their Depictions in Bollywood Films

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Although western culture is considered advanced in many aspects, tradition continues to override modernization in respect to arranged marriages in Canada and India. The reasons why these marriages are enforced in certain families and their customs, such as dowry, are to be discussed in this essay. These marriages were forced upon children who wish to choose their own husband or wife. My argument will be structured by the following questions: How did arranged marriages first come about? What are some of the reasons why parents chose arranged marriages? What are the basic customs of arranged marriages? Why shouldn’t arranged marriages occur? What are marriages in Indian culture back in India and in Canada like now? How are traditions shown in Bollywood films? I will propose from this analysis, conclusions about why arranged marriages contain so many flaws, their reasons why these marriages are so common amongst Indian culture in the past and present, and their portrayal in a selection of Bollywood films. Whether the reason is for capital or saving one’s status, arranged marriages have continued to serve as the basis of Indian culture.

The people of India have followed the arranged marriage system for countless years. They consider the system commendable, however, it has its advantages and disadvantages. Indian people give much importance to family relationship, and with the system, family is protected as well. Indian parents take care of their children, and the children obey their parents. Suitable spouses are found from appropriate families for their children. The chance of marrying outside one’s religion, caste or class is slim to none. This protects the couple from the problems that arise from different social status or econ...

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...Arranged Marriages. 2004. 16 Feb. 2011.

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"Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge." Nothing to Declare: Go Farther with Bollywood. 16 Feb 2011. http://nothing2declare.blogspot.com/2007/05/dilwale-dulhania-le-jayenge.html

Live India. "Baabul Review." Current Topics from Live India." 16 Feb. 2011. < http://www.liveindia.com/news/2n.html>

The Tribune. "Monsoon Wedding (2001)." Spectrum: The Tribune. 2001. 16 Feb. 2011.
Word Press. "Fire 1996 Hindi Movie Watch Online." Online Watch Movies Free. 2010. 16 Feb 2011.

< http://www.onlinewatchmovies.net/hindi/fire-1996-hindi-movie-watch-online.html>

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