Love knows No Caste: Inter-caste marriage in India

 "Caste's divide, love decides.

Hearts entwined, barriers resigned."

Introduction:

"In today's global scenario, intercaste marriage has become increasingly common. However, in India, it remains a sensitive social issue, reflecting both progress and persistent challenges.

Intercaste marriage simply means marital relationship between individuals belonging to different caste backgrounds within a society.

Historical background:

In India, marriage has long been viewed as a union not only between individuals, but also between families, communities, and even castes. The idea of marrying outside one's caste was once considered taboo, leading to social stigma and family disapproval.

Changing dynamic:

Freed from the shackles of traditional caste barriers, these marriages reflect a shift towards individual choice, mutual respect and inclusivity. in India, this type of marriage examining the factors driving this phenomenon, Its social implications, and the challenges and opportunities it presents towards a more just and harmonious society. As India modernizes and embraces progress, the rigid boundaries of caste are gradually disappearing, giving way to love in which there is no caste.

Intercaste marriages represent a sea change in social attitudes, challenging age-old prejudices and promoting inclusivity. it presents the essence of love as a force that transcends boundaries, breaking the barriers of caste, creed and religion. Couples who choose to marry across caste boundaries, defying social norms, often face opposition from conservative family members and communities. Despite these challenges, their courage and determination pave the way for a more inclusive and egalitarian society.

Cornerstone of Harmonious society:

One of the most important effects of intercaste marriages is their ability to promote social harmony and unity. By bringing together individuals from different caste backgrounds, these associations promote understanding, empathy and acceptance. They act as catalysts for social change, dismantling the rigid hierarchy of the caste system and promoting a more equitable society.

Moreover, inter-caste marriages have concrete benefits beyond their symbolic importance. They contribute to genetic diversity, reducing the risks associated with inter-marriage within the same caste/ community ( Endogamy). Additionally, they challenge the notion of caste-based privilege and promote meritocracy by prioritizing individual suitability over social expectations.

Dr. Ambedkar stated that inter-caste marriages were "the real remedy for breaking caste". Ambedkar thought that "fusion of blood" would create the feeling of kith and kin."

Data and Reports:

According to a 2011 census, 5.8% of marriages in India were inter-caste marriages. However, according to a 2011 survey, about 10% of marriages in India are inter-caste and 2.1% of marriages are inter- religious.

Some reports shows that, inter-caste marriages in India have been gaining acceptance due to:

•Genuine Love

•Increasing education

•Employment

•Middle-class economic background upliftment 

•Urbanization 

•Familial Support 

According to Business Standard, the better educated the groom's mother is, the higher the chances of an inter-caste marriage. 

- A girl should get the same freedom in her in-laws house as she gets in her own home.

- There should be parental consent for marriage because when a dispute arises between the couple the parents can resolve it.

- There should be true love and every boy and girl should be committed to each other so that the relationship will remain intact despite the surrounding obstacles.

- Some Parents support inter-caste marriage but they hold back due to the norms of the society. Parents also have to be courageous with the decisions of their son and daughter. 

- Nowadays it is rare to find a girl or boy without any previous relationship. So if you are getting married to your girlfriend and boyfriend then it is great. But if you are marrying someone who has been someone's girlfriend and boyfriend. How do you deal with that?

According to a 2012 article in The Times of India, Odisha has the highest percentage of inter-caste marriages in the Eastern region of India at 13.9%. The article also states that Bihar has the lowest percentage of inter-caste marriages at 4.7%. 

According to Wikipedia, Mizoram has the highest number of inter-caste marriages in India at 55%. Madhya Pradesh has the lowest number of inter-caste marriages at 1%. 

Legal Framework:

The Special Marriage Act (SMA), 1954 was enacted to validate and register interreligious and inter-caste marriages in India. It empowers two adult individuals to marry through a civil contract. The Special Marriage Act is instrumental in promoting the right to choose one's life partner regardless of caste and ensuring legal recognition and protection for intercaste marriages in India.

In February 2018, the Supreme Court stated against interference by khap panchayats in inter-caste and inter-faith marriages and advised them to stop behaving like conscience keepers of society. “If people decide to marry, they are adults and you are nobody to interfere," then Chief Justice Dipak Mishra said.

Notably, the right to marry a person of (one’s) own choice is an integral part of Article 21 i.e. right to life and liberty. The state is obliged to enforce such a right.

Legal Aid:

Under "Mukhya Mantri Samajik Samrasta Antarjatiya Vivah Shagun Yojna" of Haryana State

If a non-scheduled Castes boy who marriage a scheduled Castes girls and vice-versa, the concerned Scheduled Castes bride/bridegroom will be given a cash grant of Rs. 51,000/- in the joint account of married couple.The beneficiary can apply for incentive within one year from the date of marriage.

In recent times "The Inter-Caste Marriage Yojana" of 2023, is a scheme that provides an incentive to couples who have recently gotten married in an inter-caste marriage. The scheme helps couples settle down in their married life by offering financial assistance of Rs 2.5 lakh.

There are many other schemes in some states but most of them follow this "Inter-Caste marriage Yojna- 2023"

1.Assam- Assam Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme

2. Bihar- Antarjatiya Vivah Protsahan Yojana

3. Odisha- Odisha intercaste marriage scheme 

4. Gujarat Dr.Savita Ambedkar Inter-Caste Marriage Encouragement Scheme.

Eligibility criteria:-

The marriage should be valid as per the law and duly registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

Both the spouse should be citizen of India and one of the spouse should be a Scheduled Caste 

The scheme aims to promote social harmony and reduce caste discrimination by encouraging inter-caste marriages among Hindus.

Social stigma:

However, the journey toward acceptance and equality is not without obstacles. Despite legal provisions and progressive reforms, deep-rooted caste prejudices continue to pose challenges to inter-caste couples. Discrimination, social exclusion and even violence are still prevalent, especially in rural and conservative areas. Resolving these issues requires not only legal intervention but also concerted efforts to change social mindset and attitudes.

Public awareness:

Education and awareness play an important role in providing greater acceptance to inter-caste marriages. Promoting inclusive values in schools, communities, and media can help challenge stereotypes and foster empathy. Legal protections should be strengthened to protect the rights of inter-caste couples and ensure equal treatment under the law. Additionally, support networks and counseling services should be made available to assist couples facing family or social conflict.

As India moves towards a more progressive and inclusive future, intercaste marriage has become a symbol of hope and resilience. They represent the triumph of love over prejudice, unity over division and progress over stagnation. Although the road ahead may be challenging, the growing acceptance of inter-caste marriage signals a brighter, more egalitarian future for India.

Conclusion:

Inter-caste marriages add living threads of diversity, tolerance and love to the social fabric of India.Inter-caste marriage symbolizes love transcending societal boundaries, embracing both challenges and the fulfillment of marrying one's beloved. As the nation embraces the ethos of “Unity in Diversity”, let us celebrate and support these unions as symbols of hope and progress in our collective journey towards a more inclusive society.

Thank you for reading...

Please don't forget to share your opinion on this matter in the comment box below.

~ Sugyan Nanda

Post Graduate student of Political Science

Rajendra University, Balangir