Why Do Indian Parents Support Arranged Marriages?

Parents in India strive to ensure their children find a stable and secure partner who can support them through the challenges of life. One of the primary reasons for this is that they want their children to avoid the struggles and uncertainties they experienced. When it comes to marriage, Indian parents typically look for a man who is already established and has a family that can support him in times of need.

It is essential to understand that the concept of an arranged marriage does not equate to a blind matchmaking without any personal connection. Before a couple is introduced, extensive verification is conducted. This includes checking the backgrounds and family histories of the individuals involved. The families ensure that both the bride and groom are a good match in terms of values, financial stability, and social status. As a result, the couple gets to know the man who is proposed by their parents through a dating process, which can include building a relationship and spending time together before the marriage is finalized.

Furthermore, it is important to note that an arranged marriage is not a forced union. The final decision always resides with the individuals involved. No matter how well the match is arranged by the parents, the couple must be willing and interested for the relationship to succeed. If one party is not interested in marrying the proposed partner, the marriage cannot proceed. This ensures that both parties are committed to the relationship and ready for the lifelong commitment marriage entails.

Understanding the Verification Process

When it comes to arranged marriages, the verification process plays a crucial role in ensuring that the match is the right fit. Historically, arranged marriages within known family circles or individuals with some connection were common. However, with the rise of online matrimonial platforms and social media, the criteria for finding suitable matches have become more stringent.

Matrimonial profiles on platforms such as and are often filled with detailed information about the individuals involved. However, cases of misrepresentation are rare, as both families and matchmaking agencies conduct thorough verifications. This includes checking educational backgrounds, employment status, financial stability, and even the character of the individuals. In cases where candidates present a distorted profile, such as the Amul agency example mentioned, they are often quickly rejected or withdraw their profiles.

It is worth noting that marriage can only occur when there is a personal connection and mutual respect. While the parents may have a say in the initial matchmaking process, the final decision rests with the couple. Even in the past, when arranged marriages involved families with a long history and significant social status, the final decision was made based on the compatibility and mutual love of the couple.

Regional and Ethnic Diversity in India

India is a diverse country with a mix of different cultures, languages, and traditions. The concept of arranged marriage is deeply ingrained in Indian society, but it is not uniform across the entire country. For example, people in some parts of India, such as North India, are more likely to support arranged marriages, while others, such as parts of South India, may adopt a more liberal approach to marriage.

Even within India, there are significant regional and ethnic differences. For instance, in regions with a strong Turkic influence, arranged marriages may be less common, while in Dravidian regions, the tradition may be more prevalent. By understanding these cultural and regional differences, it becomes easier to appreciate the diversity of practices and beliefs within India.

The Shift Towards Love Marriages

Today, the concept of love marriages is gaining popularity in India, where young individuals have more agency in choosing their partners. However, this shift does not necessarily mean that the interest of parents in their children's marriage has diminished. Parents still play a critical role in helping their children find suitable partners, but the decision ultimately lies with the individuals involved.

Some argue that in love marriages, parents have less interest than in arranged marriages. However, this is not always the case. Many parents continue to be involved in their children's romantic relationships, offering advice, support, and even playing a role in the matchmaking process. The involvement of parents in love marriages ensures that both partners come from compatible backgrounds and share similar values and goals. This involves a similar level of verification and consideration as in arranged marriages.

In conclusion, Indian arranged marriages are deeply rooted in the cultural and social norms of the country. While the process may involve more parental involvement, the final decision always rests with the individuals involved in the marriage. By understanding these traditional practices, we can appreciate the complexity and nuances of marriage in India.