Practice of dowry among married youth and prevalence of dowry death in selected states in india

In spite of modernization and women’s increasing role in the market economy, the practice of dowry in India is becoming more wide spread evidences shows that, the value of dowry is increasing. In India marriage is typically arranged and the practice of dowry is common in most part of the country (Karve, 1965). Data for this study is taken from “The Youth in India: Situation and Needs” survey conducted during 2006-2007. a sub nationally representative survey, and Crime in India (2008-2011) from NCRB to explore this dimension minutely. Results reveals that dowry death is on rise from 2008 to 2011 at the national level. Finding indicates that dowry is universal phenomenon in all the sates and it is not restricted with religion. To note here, dowry increases with economic standard, however chance of receiving and giving is less in love marriage and in those who are living in nuclear families. Interestingly men in southern states are having significantly higher chance of receiving dowry. But it is interesting to note that if we see it through the lens of crime records southern states stands other way round. At regional level percentage share of dowry death in Bihar is around 15 percent.