Premium
This is an archive article published on February 2, 2017

Ugly, handicap girls’ families pay dowry, says Maharashtra textbook

Along with other factors like religion, caste system, social prestige and compensation principle, the chapter cites "ugliness" as a reason for the grooms' families to demand more dowry.

google-preferred-btn
maharashtra, maharashtra education, msbshse, msbshse books, dowry, marriage, india dowry,maharashtra news, education news Parents of such girls become helpless and pay dowry as per the demands of the bridegroom as family

A textbook for Class 12 in Maharashtra has cited an outrageous reason for the dowry problem prevalent in India — “ugliness” and physical handicap of a girl. The remark appears in a chapter in the sociology textbook titled ‘Major Social Problems in India’ of the state Secondary and Higher Secondary education Board.

Along with other factors like religion, caste system, social prestige and compensation principle, the chapter cites “ugliness” as a reason for the grooms’ families to demand more dowry.

“If a girl is ugly and handicapped, then it becomes very difficult for her to get married. To marry such girls, bridegroom and his family demand more dowry. Parents of such girls become helpless and pay dowry as per the demands of the bridegroom as family. It leads to rise in the practice of dowry system,” the textbook says.

Story continues below this ad

Also read | Girl from Burhan Wani’s school tops Kashmir Class 12 Boards 

When asked about the passage which could be objected to by gender rights groups, an official of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) today said the matter will be looked into. Board chairman Gangadhar Mamane said, “I will discuss the issue with the board of studies and will then comment on it.”

For more education news, click here

Latest Comment
Post Comment
Read Comments
Advertisement
Live Blog
PHOTOS
In pics: From concept supercars to electronic SUV's: Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 was all about innovation
In Pics: From Concept Supercars to Electric SUVs – Innovation at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025
Top Stories
Signs of pullback: Sharp drop in Russia oil exports to India after US sanctions
Signs of pullback: Sharp drop in Russia oil exports to India after US sanctions
Nehru-Gandhis ‘cemented idea of leadership as birthright’: Tharoor attacks dynasty politics, Congress mum
Nehru-Gandhis ‘cemented idea of leadership as birthright’: Tharoor attacks dynasty politics
Although he agreed to everything Mutharamkunnu PO team wanted, Dara Singh objected to one thing: the movie's climax.
EntertainmentDara Singh worked in Malayalam movie for Rs 25,000; agreed to all demands except losing to opponent in climax
Prakash Raj recently launched a scathing attack on the controversial National Film Awards for turning a blind eye to Mammootty.
EntertainmentPrakash Raj says National Film Awards 'don't deserve' Mammootty: 'When files and piles are getting awards...'
According to the Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS), pollution levels surged, with the AQI reaching 316 at 9 am across the capital (Image source: @kapildhama/X)
Trending‘Promises vanish with smoke’: Entrepreneur shows Delhi air purifier reading jumping from 97 to 500 AQI as he opens door
Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, he worked as a CVS photography lab supervisor for five years (Image source: CNBC)
Trending‘Never taken a day off in 20 years’: This man earns $6.5 million a year by selling used high-end clothes
Indian women's team coach Amol Muzumdar after winning the ICC Women's World Cup 2025. (PHOTO: AP)
SportsAs India win Women's World Cup, Amol Muzumdar gets love back from the sport he loved for all those years as nearest among nearly men
India moments World Cup final
SportsFrom Harmanpreet Kaur's gut feeling with Shafali to Amanjot Kaur's most important catch, the moments that made India's World Cup triumph
The global nuclear landscape has changed profoundly since India’s tests a quarter-century ago. Russia has withdrawn from key arms-control regimes. China is expanding its stockpile at an unprecedented rate and constructing new missile silos.
OpinionAs global consensus against nuclear testing frays, India should re-evaluate its options
Karpoori Thakur
ExplainedKarpoori Thakur, Bihar's 11th Chief Minister: Two short tenures, long-lasting legacy
Alia Bhatt on personal growth
‘I’ve worked really, really hard’: Alia Bhatt on embracing her past with ‘no regrets’; expert on how reframing mistakes can fuel personal growth
Sam Altman
TechnologySam Altman shuts down question on OpenAI’s revenue amid AI bubble concerns
Advertisement
Must Read
SportsAs India win Women's World Cup, Amol Muzumdar gets love back from the sport he loved for all those years as nearest among nearly men
Indian women's team coach Amol Muzumdar after winning the ICC Women's World Cup 2025. (PHOTO: AP)
SportsFrom Harmanpreet Kaur's gut feeling with Shafali to Amanjot Kaur's most important catch, the moments that made India's World Cup triumph
India moments World Cup final
SportsHer story is history: Harmanpreet Kaur & Co on top of the world
India Harmanpreet
TechnologySam Altman shuts down question on OpenAI’s revenue amid AI bubble concerns
Sam Altman
OnePlus unveils chip-level gaming architecture for smoother, high-frame-rate mobile play
The tech will debut in the upcoming OnePlus 15 lineup.(Image: OnePlus)
TechnologyApple’s delayed AI revamp of Siri will ‘lean’ on custom Google Gemini model: Report
iPhone 15
‘I’ve worked really, really hard’: Alia Bhatt on embracing her past with ‘no regrets’; expert on how reframing mistakes can fuel personal growth
Alia Bhatt on personal growth
Advertisement
Buzzing Now
Trending‘Promises vanish with smoke’: Entrepreneur shows Delhi air purifier reading jumping from 97 to 500 AQI as he opens door
According to the Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS), pollution levels surged, with the AQI reaching 316 at 9 am across the capital (Image source: @kapildhama/X)
Trending‘Never taken a day off in 20 years’: This man earns $6.5 million a year by selling used high-end clothes
Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, he worked as a CVS photography lab supervisor for five years (Image source: CNBC)
Trending‘Stress eating became my escape, gained 45 kilos’: IAS officer opens up about physical, mental challenges while preparing for UPSC exams, reveals key lesson that changed her life
After failing to crack the exam in 2017, she returned home to Rajasthan, where she went through a difficult phase of isolation
TrendingWomen’s World Cup final: Fireworks, tears, messages from PM Modi to Sundar Pichai; world celebrates India's win
One of the viral videos shows the audience at the Dr DY Patil Stadium singing “Vande Mataram” after Team India (Image source: @ICC/X)
Trending‘Uber driver keeping Indian pride up’: Australian woman hails cab driver who bought her kebabs, water during 2-hour traffic jam, video wins hearts
The Uber cab driver bought her water, kebabs, and a soft drink and refused to take money
Nov 04: Latest News
Advertisement