Question

Here are the first, fourth, fifth and sixth forms of marriage from the Manusmriti: First: The gift of a daughter, after dressing her in costly clothes and honouring her with presents of jewels, to a man learned in the Veda whom the father himself invites. Fourth: The gift of a daughter by the father after he has addressed the couple with the text, “May both of you perform your duties together”, and has shown honour to the bridegroom. Fifth: When the bridegroom receives a maiden, after having given as much wealth as he can afford to the kinsmen and to the bride herself, according to his own will. Sixth: The voluntary union of a maiden and her lover … which springs from desire …

For each of the forms, discuss whether the decision about the marriage was taken by

1. the bride,
2. the bridegroom,
3. the father of the bride,
4. the father of the bridegroom,
5. any other person.

Answer 1

Form of Marriage	Primary Decision-Maker(s)	Key Reason from the Text
First Form	(c) The father of the bride	The father invites a learned man himself. The father gifts his daughter with jewels.
Fourth Form	(c) The father of the bride	The father addresses and blesses the couple. He commands them to perform duties together.
Fifth Form	(b) The bridegroom (e) Any other person (Kinsmen)	The groom decides according to his own will. The bride’s kinsmen accept the wealth offered.
Sixth Form	(a) The bride (b) The bridegroom	It is a completely voluntary union. The decision springs directly from mutual desire.