Different Types of Marriage

Marriage is one of the most significant social institutions in the world. Marriage is not just two individuals coming together but also two families. Their traditions and cultures are also getting together. Marriage, as viewed by India, has always been sacred and values- and customs-based. The concept of marriage has come a long way in terms of time, and today people conduct various kinds of marriages depending on personal choice, faith and legal sanction

Learning about various kinds of marriages makes it easier for us to embrace diversity and the free will of individuals in marrying their partners. Let us look at India’s numerous kinds of marriage today.

List of Different Types of Marriages in India

India is a country of traditions, yet it also accepts the modern outlook. Below are some of the typical types of marriages practised within the nation:

Monogamy

Monogamy is the most popular type of marriage in India. Under this type, a man marries a woman, and both are committed only to each other. It is the most socially and legally accepted form of marriage under nearly all personal laws in India, and hence, it is the basis of Indian marital practices.

Polygamy

Polygamy is a condition in which a single individual has more than one spouse simultaneously. Though in the past, it was practised among royal dynasties and certain communities, presently it is prohibited under Indian law for Hindus. Yet, subject to certain conditions, Muslim men can practise polygamy according to their personal laws, although even amongst them, nowadays, it is a rarity in urban India.

Inter-caste Marriage

Inter-caste marriage occurs when two individuals of different castes choose to get married. Although caste remains a strong force in Indian society, more couples nowadays are shattering barriers and opting for love over caste. Even the government offers incentives to ensure inter-caste marriages to bring equality, oneness and social harmony in a divided caste society.

Interreligious Marriage

Interreligious marriages are those in which two individuals belonging to two different religions get married. These marriages can be performed under India’s Special Marriage Act. The Indian law allows couples to marry without changing their religion. Although they are often opposed by their families and society. This marriage is indicative of increasing tolerance of diversity and inclusiveness in India.

Love Marriage

In a love marriage, the two choose each other because of love and mutual understanding. Such a marriage has also gained popularity in modern India, mostly among the young generation who want compatibility and personal choice over conventional norms. Love marriages are also related to freedom, individuality and a preference towards emotional bonding over conventional unions.

Arranged Marriage

Arranged marriages are customary and widely practised in India, where family is highly involved in securing a well-suited partner for children. Caste, religion, family, education and social status are usually taken into account. Though they sound outdated to some, arranged marriages have withstood time, and many Indian couples prefer them due to family backing and common values.

Civil or Court Marriage

Civil or court marriages are legally recognised marriages conducted by a marriage registrar. These are preferred by couples who want a simple, no-ritual marriage with complete legal validity. It is also the most common option for inter-caste or inter-religious couples, as it is protected under the Special Marriage Act. Court marriages also give the right of equality, legality and freedom of choice over traditions.

Same-Sex Marriage

Same-sex marriage refers to the union of two individuals of the same gender. After 2018, under the Supreme Court ruling on Section 377, same-sex relationships are no longer a criminal offence. However, same-sex marriage is still not legally recognised. But social acceptance is gradually increasing. More people are supporting LGBTQ+ rights, and discussions around legalising such unions are gaining momentum in the country.

Open Marriage

An open marriage is where a pair is still legally wedded but both decide to have affairs outside of the marriage. Not very prevalent in India and socially disapproved of much of the time, it does exist in some modern, urban communities. It stresses freedom, honesty and openness with one’s partner but is contrarian to traditional concepts of faithfulness and long-term commitment.

Group Marriage

Group marriage is not common in India but is an accepted idea in anthropology. It refers to the shared cohabitation of several men and women as husband and wife. It is not legally accepted in India but is theoretically possible and in a few isolated tribal communities or experimental setups. It is more of shared living than sharing of bonding.

Conclusion

Indian marriage is diverse, a reflection of the country’s blend of tradition and progress. As much as there’s monogamy and arranged marriages, which are practised everywhere, there are advanced concepts like love marriages and interfaith marriages. All of them carry significance. Some bring families together, and others represent independence and personal choice.

Every type of marriage is not legally recognised nor socially accepted. But they all highlight how human relationships have evolved with changing times. At the end marriage is all about companionship. It is the trust and mutual respect between the two people who decide to share their lives together.

FAQs

Can a Hindu man have two wives legally in India?

No. Polygamy is illegal for Hindus in India. A Hindu man cannot have two wives legally at the same time. It is considered an offence under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

Can a person remarry without divorce in India?

No. They cannot remarry without divorce in India. A person has to go through a judicial divorce from his/her current spouse prior to marrying another individual. Otherwise it will be a case of bigamy, which is a punishable offence.

Is it mandatory to register a Hindu marriage?

A Hindu wedding with due ceremonies is valid. However, registration is strongly recommended. It provides legal proof of the marriage. Registration proves useful in instances like inheritance, rights over property or in lawsuits.

Is same-sex marriage legal in India?

Same-sex marriage refers to two people who are from the same gender. As of now, same-sex marriage is not legally recognised in India. Although same-sex relationships have been decriminalised. Marriage rights for LGBTQ+ couples are still under legal and social discussion.

Is a live-in relationship considered marriage in India?

A live-in relationship is not equivalent to marriage in India. But courts have accepted long-term live-in relationships and given legal rights to the partners under some circumstances, primarily pertaining to property, inheritance and maintenance.