The dowry system in India refers to durable goods, cash and movable or immovable property which the bride's family gives to the groom, his parents or his relatives as a condition of the marriage. It is essentially a payment in cash or some kind of gifts given to the groom's family along with the bride and includes cash, jewelry, appliances, furniture, bedding, tableware, utensils and other household items that help the newly Married to set up their home. The dowry is referred to as Jahez in Arabic (derived from Islamic jahez-e-fatimi). In the eastern end of India, the dowry is called Aaunnpot.
It is surprising that even in these days of the 21st century, we still drown in the dark depth of these evils.

One of the worst evils of Indian society is the dowry system. The word "dowry" means the property and money a bride brings to her husband's house at the time of their marriage. It is a custom that prevails in all sections of our society in one form or another. At first it was voluntary, but later social pressure was such that very few could escape it.

The dowry at present is a source of joy and curse in society. It is also a joy for the husband and his family who receive cash, expensive clothes and utensils, furniture, bedding, etc. But, it is a curse for the bride's parents who have to bear a huge cost to meet the unreasonable demands of the Groom's Feast. A dowry demand does not decline even after marriage. The in-laws of the bride are very willing in Indian homes to inflict harassment, insults, and torture, both mental and physical. When more pressure is exerted on the bride's parents, her beloved daughter has no choice but to commit suicide to avoid further insults and torture at the hands of her husband's family members.