NATIONAL LAW INSTITUTE UNIVERSITY

BHOPAL

A
PROJECT
ON
“INTER-RELIGION MARRIAGE”

THIRD TRIMESTER

SUBMITTED TO:
Prof. Mukesh Srivastava
SUBMITTED BY:
Sonika Dhurve
Shivani Khoda
Section ‘A’
Roll no.-‘27’ and ‘48’
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped out in completing my project directly
or indirectly. I show a special gratitude towards Mukesh Srivastava sir, our constitutional law
professor, without whose guidance and support, I think I am unable to complete this project.
We would also like to thank our library, which helped a lot in learning more about my project
topic.
What is an Inter religion Marriage ?
When two people belong to different religions, and want to be marry each-other. This kind of
marriage is called Inter religion marriage. Below you can find few types of inter religion
marriage.

1. Hindu Sikh Marriage

2. Hindu Muslim Marriage

3. Hindu Christian Marriage

Caste and religion are integral components of Indian society since the time immemorial. These
two systems create water tight compartment between communities and bring division, hatred
and tension among various social groups. Marriages within the same caste and same religion
is the norm of the Indian society. To think of marriages between different castes and different
religions is a difficult and socially unacceptable proposition. Recently the process of
modernization, democratization and development has brought lots of positive changes in Indian
society.

Religious intermarriage as it reflects interaction in an open society is a gauge of changing social

structures and norms. The extent to which interfaith marriage is possible and the degree of
social and religious institutions' acceptance of interfaith couples indicate the breadth and depth
of such changes.
CHALLENGES IN INTER-RELIGION MARRIAGE:

1. Lack of support from friends and family: According to sociologist Lynette Clemetson,
the relative lack support that inter-cultural couples might receive from friends and family in
the initial period of their relationship, can give rise to trust issues between them later which
makes the relationship difficult (Clemetson, 2000). The same is applicable to inter-religious
couples also. I’d suggest you take time to understand each other fully, gain confidence in
your commitment and only then introduce each other to your families, so as to earn more of
their support.
2. Challenges understanding each other: As you know, a religion is a way of life. For
example, I’m a Hindu – I’m used to seeing idols worshipped every day in my home. If
you’re a Christian this might come across as blasphemous to you. Religion shapes
everything from lifestyle (consider the strict vegetarianism practised by Jains), to
philosophy of life (think Muslims having their own legal code). Two people coming from
two different religious backgrounds, thus, need to make extra efforts to understand each
other. Fun activities like picking up a children’s book on the history of each other’s
religions, or participating in religious holidays can be powerful first steps in the lifelong
journey of overcoming such barriers.
3. Patience and acceptance: There are always moments in an inter-religious marriage when
differences in beliefs are probably really irresolvable. Such situations are inevitable. It’s not
always easy to think outside the box you’ve lived in since birth. Being conscious of such a
possibility and having the patience to accept differences and yet love each other for who
they are is crucial for success of the relationship.
4. Children: The most challenging aspect of inter-religious marriages is probably handing
down beliefs systems and life philosophies to children. However all religions have the same
values and spiritual aims at their core. It’s the practices and traditions which differ. You
need to inculcate this basic understanding in your children early on and help them see each
of your religions as just one more way to spiritual enlightenment. If you as an inter-religious
couple can do it right, your children have the potential to grow up as more aware, more
conscious people than children of same-religion marriages. The inter-religious family will
also help them develop a truly open outlook of the world and treat human beings as human
beings, irrespective of their caste, creed, race and religion.
5. Parents: Some of you might think this should’ve been my first point, but we’ve deliberately
moved it to the last. On the basis of my own experience we believe that in terms of gravity,
outside challenges to a relationship can never even compare to the challenges any couple
faces between them, to make their own relationship work.
ALL ABOUT RELIGION
While some religious doctrines prohibit interfaith marriages, others are more accommodating towards mixed
unions within limited circumstances provided some preconditions are met.
Judaism – Traditional or Orthodox Judaism does not support interfaith marriages. With time, the evolution
of Conservative Judaism was more accommodating of gentile spouses in the hope that they could be
converted into the faith. While modern-day liberal Rabbis are willing to officiate at interfaith marriages, the
couples are often persuaded to raise Jewish children.
Islam – Islamic women are not allowed to marry outside the faith. The men are often granted permission to
wed non-Islamic partners but conversion is often a pre-condition. Also, it is mandatory that the children be
raised to be Muslims.
Christianity – Different denominations of Christianity practice their own set of rules and dictates for
interfaith marriages. In recent times, Christianity has grown liberal towards interfaith unions.
Zoroastrianism – The Zoroastrian faith is quite rigid in disallowing interfaith marriages. Followers of
Zoroastrianism who marry outside the faith risk being expelled from all religious services and rites. Often
their children are also not allowed to participate in religious activities.
Hinduism – Traditional Hinduism does not allow for religious conversion. In theory, non-Hindu spouses
are welcome since religion is only considered as a means to understanding the Divine truth. In practice,
however, Hindus are often orthodox and rigid and interfaith marriages are prohibited.
Baha’i Religion – The Baha’i faith is quite welcoming of a non-Baha’i partner. The Baha’i ceremony to
sanctify the wedding must be performed. The other religious ceremony may or may not be performed in this
case.
For years, Indians had an orthodox mindset. They couldn't imagine inter caste marriages. They
had a conception that marriages are only possible in the same community and caste. Talking
about inter caste and inter religion marriages in India was a taboo for most people in the earlier
days. However, with time, things changed and inter caste marriage also became a part of the
society. Marriages are regarded as the most important social custom and hence, were viewed
as the best means to remove the barrier of caste system. Today, in Indian society, though we
can see inter caste marriages, but mostly it is the part of the city culture. The rural parts of the
country still have a long way to go.

Present Scenario
People have realized that a successful marriage is not dependent on factors such as same caste
and religion. It is on the other hand, built on the aspects of mutual understanding and
compatibility. It is how well the two understand each other's need and feel for your partner. It
is not necessary that you have to belong to the same community or caste to understand your
spouse better. Today, there are ample of examples when two people from totally different
background and lifestyle come together and spend their entire life happy with each other,
thanks to education.

Education has broadened the periphery of thinking and helped people develop analytical
powers. It has not only altered their perception about life, but also about social concerns such
as marriage and relationship. Inter caste and inter religion marriages serves as a beacon light
for social equality. In order to break the perils of caste-system, it has becomes incumbent that
there should be inter-caste marriages. Marriage is mostly dependent on true love and feeling
and once this is achieved, caste and religion all becomes secondary issues

This graph is showing the ratio of inter religion marriages in india

OBJECTIVE:
The present study aims to explore the following questions:

* How common are the mixed marriages in India?

* How far do socio-economic and state factors are influencing the occurrence of mixed
marriages and marriage choices in India?

DATA SOURCE AND METHODOLOGY

In this study, we have used the India Human Development Survey (IHDS) data, 2005 to explore
the extent of mixed marriages in India. "The India Human Development Survey 2005 (IHDS)
is a nationally representative, multitopic survey of 41,554 households in 1503 villages and 971
urban neighbourhoods across India. Two one-hour interviews in each household covered
health, education, employment, economic status, marriage, fertility, gender relations, and
social capital. Children aged 8-11 completed short reading, writing and arithmetic tests.
Mixed Marriages and Marriage Choices by States
This section presents an assessment of mixed marriages and marriage choices by the state
affiliation of women. Table 1 provides the state level estimates of selected types of mixed
marriages. The percentage of women who reported that their husbands belong to the caste other
than their own is highest (12 percent) in Punjab, followed by West Bengal (9 percent) and
Gujarat (8 percent). On the other hand, inter-caste marriages are lowest in Rajasthan (2
percent), considered to be a very traditionalist state in terms of marriage customs (3). Overall,
among 18 major states of India, only six states show the higher percentage of inter-caste
marriages than the national average (5 percent). The percentage of women marrying outside
their religion is highest in Punjab and lowest in West Bengal. Furthermore, the results suggest
that inter-religious marriages are more prevalent among the north Indian states than in the south
Indian states. The low prevalence of inter-religious marriages in south India states can be
attributed to the existing dominance of cross-cousin marriages. Table 1 also shows the
percentage of women married to men from a different economic status across states. The state
of Jharkhand with a relatively greater proportion of poor and tribal populations has the highest
percentage of women (43 percent) marrying into families with a different economic status. In
contrast, women belong to an economically advanced state like Haryana have the lowest
percentage of marriages outside of their household economic status.

Table 1. Percentage of Women had Mixed Marriages in Major

States of India, 2005

States Percentage Percentage Percentage Sample of

of women of women of women married women

married married married (15-49)

outside the outside outside

caste their their

religion economic

status

group

Andhra 2.8 4.9 24.2 2435

Pradesh
Assam 6.3 2.1 18.1 1017

Bihar 3.1 1.2 17.0 1430

Chhattisgarh 2.2 0.6 34.0 1175

Gujarat 8.2 1.8 33.7 2198

Haryana 3.3 1.9 10.9 1618

Himachal 2.0 1.5 36.7 1372

Pradesh

Jharkhand 5.4 5.7 43.3 924

Karnataka 1.8 2.8 38.0 4021

Kerala 4.6 2.1 16.5 1731

Madhya 1.9 0.8 25.9 2805

Pradesh

Maharashtra 2.8 3.7 28.0 3368

Orissa 3.3 1.0 42.0 2064

Punjab 12.2 7.8 13.7 1683

Rajasthan 1.7 0.7 18.3 2485

Tamil Nadu 2.2 1.6 20.3 2203

Uttar Pradesh 5.2 1.3 22.7 3512

Uttarakhand 3.5 1.9 32.2 458

West Bengal 9.3 0.3 40.0 2380

India 5.1 2.1 27.6 41554

Note: 1. Inter-religious marriage information is riot directly given in IHDS data; therefore, we
have estimated this indirectly from the religious affiliation of the wife and husband, by
following line number of spouse as given in the questionnaire.

In India, it is traditionally believed that marriages are not only the union of two individuals,
but also between two families. In this context, it is necessary to examine, who takes the
decisions regarding the choice of a life partner for a girl in Indian families? Is it the girl herself,
the parents alone, the parents and girl together or others? Choice of the partner is a critical
determinant of mixed marriages. In the present study, we have estimated the mate selection
choice for women by states. Gujarat had the greater proportion (12 percent) of women taking
decisions alone on selection of their spouses, followed by Assam (9 percent) and Tamil Nadu
(8 percent). Punjab shows the lowest percentage of women making their own decisions on
choosing a partner. However, parents alone making the decision for finding a suitable
bridegroom for their daughter is highest (92 percent) in Uttrakhand, followed by Bihar (84
percent) and Rajasthan (84 percent). Overall, in the majority of the north Indian states, parents
alone are making the decision on the selection of a groom for their daughter and it is
substantially greater as compared to the other parts of India. However, the parent's involvement
in their daughters marriage is comparatively low in north-east and in eastern parts of India
(table 2).
Table 2. Women and their Decision Making on Marriage

Partners by States of India,

States Who took the decision in selecting you partner? (in

percentages)

Respondent Respondent Parents/relatives Others

herself and parents alone

together

Andhra 5.1 25.9 69.0 0.0

Pradesh

Assam 9.7 52.7 34.7 2.9

Bihar 2.1 13.4 84.4 0.1

Chhattisgarh 1.3 50.3 48.4 0.0

Gujarat 11.7 77.5 10.5 0.4

Haryana 2.1 53.7 42.8 1.4

Himachal 8.0 9.0 82.6 0.4

Pradesh
Jharkhand 5.9 19.2 74.6 0.2

Karnataka 5.6 61.8 32.3 0.4

Kerala 6.3 57.3 35.8 0.6

Madhya 0.9 40.7 57.8 0.5

Pradesh

Maharashtra 2.9 32.8 63.7 0.6

Orissa 5.5 21.0 73.5 0.0

Punjab 0.4 38.5 61.1 0.0

Rajasthan 0.6 14.9 84.3 0.1

Tamil Nadu 8.1 51.2 40.5 0.2

Uttar 2.1 21.2 76.4 0.3

Pradesh

Uttarakhand 0.9 6.9 92.1 0.0

West Bengal 7.9 26.5 63.8 1.8

India 5.0 34.2 60.3 0.5

The results of a comparative assessment of tables 2 suggest that except for Gujarat, Assam and
Kerala, mixed marriages among other states are not a consistent marriage choice. This could
be the case because mixed marriages are more closely associated with cultural factors rather
than spatial factors. For example, in the state of Punjab, both inter-caste and inter-religious
marriage rates are high and this can be attributed to skewed sex ratios to some extent. These
result in a shortage of eligible brides which force many males to marry outside their own caste
or even from other states. Similarly, in case of inter-religious marriages, Sikhs in Punjab often
marry Hindus because of somewhat similar religious customs and practices followed by both
religions.
 CONCLUSION
This paper measures the prevalence and the types of mixed marriages in India, using the
nation-wide data from IHDS. India is still by and large a traditional society with rigid caste
system. Caste plays a very important role in the selection of mates in marriages. To most
Indians, it is difficult to think of marriage beyond the own caste. But it is quite heartening to
notice that the force of the caste in marriage selection is gradually loosening over time as
about ten percent of the marriages in India are reported to be inter-caste marriages. This is a
good beginning to completely eradicate the caste system in India. This change in the marriage
pattern in India is a very recent phenomenon due to the impact of modernization, socio-
economic development and globalization of Indian economy. Various socio-economic and
demographic factors also affect the pattern of inter-caste marriages in India. There is a
significant spatial variation in the pattern of inter-caste marriages. There seems to be higher
inter-caste marriages in socio-economically developed states like Punjab, Haryana, Assam,
Maharashtra and Karnataka in comparison with the socio-economically backward states of
northern India namely Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan. It is expected
that the incidence of such inter-caste marriages will increase with degree of modernization
and socio-economic development. There is need to glorify, give media exposure and
encourage such marriages in order to reduce the caste barrier prevalent in Indian society.
India will require long time yet to come when the marriage system in India will be
completely fee of caste discrimination
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Banerjee, A.R. and Banerjee S., 1978, Inter-caste marriage pattern among some caste
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3. http://www.stophonourkillings.com/?q=fr/node/3230
4. Rodman, H. (1965). Mate selection: Incest taboos, homogamy, and mixed marriages.
In Hyman Rodman (Ed.), Marriage, Family, and Society: A Reader. New York:
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