But the whole system of the systemized marriage changed when money overpowered this pure and solemn relation between two persons. The more involvement of women and money in the marriage process completely changed the essence and format of marriage. Show off and use of money became prime and the prime function of uniting two persons in one soul lost its meaning and became secondary. This show off and over use of money finally made its impact on the socio-cultural ethos of the society and gradually marriage was indirectly converted into a business. Social and human values were buried under the carpet of currency notes and the relation became a trade activity. Dowry system which earlier had a purpose to help the newly married couple with items of domestic and agricultural use like kitchen utensils, bed and baggage, cow, and other related articles and things. But soon this simple dowry was commercialized by the rich class of the society because of the pressure of women. Rich and affluent women started demanding heavy and costly dowry items including gold and jewelry. With this bride groom were put on sale and rates were decided according to the social and official status and financial position of the bride. In a way brides were indirectly sold and the bride groom was purchased by giving huge amounts of cash and material to the bride groom and his family. This increased the greed of the male families and the families of females were put under pressure. As a result of this the daughters of the poor were left to either be unmarried or married to an unsuitable bridegroom. Secondly the case of brides being killed or forced to commit suicide because of dowry demand. Government was compelled by the civil society to bring legislation to curb the dowry deaths and stop the atrocities against brides in the name of dowry. Ironically, the demand for dowry in the marriage of a female is always from the females of the family of the bridegroom. Despite all efforts, legislation and hue and cry of the society the menace of dowry is still in practice however the ways and means of giving and taking of dowry has changed. But there are some encouraging examples from the young generation where marriages have been solemnized without giving or taking the dowry. This practice is now becoming popular among the new generation but now another aspect of life has become a big challenge for the husband wife relation, called ‘Money’.
