What are the main problems people face in Inter Caste marriage?

The union of two families through marriage is a spiritual process in India. Despite living in a highly developed and technologically advanced society, some people continue to follow strict caste rules. Since the caste system is so established in Indian society, it will take a long time for people to get over it. Caste is highly valued in Hindu society, and inter-caste partnerships are discouraged and not supported by the elders. Inter-caste marriages are illegal in India because many people there think that by doing so, couples may have trouble starting a life together.


Additionally, they might not be able to comprehend one another's cultural customs. It was also believed that intercaste children did not always have happy outcomes. Elders are concerned about their reputation and social standing. They also fear the mistreatment the family and couple will receive from the wider community.


The frequency of interreligious marriages in India is rising as the younger generation becomes ready to overcome the barriers of caste and community when choosing their life partner. Today's generation is wise enough to think about a spouse's compatibility based on their education, personality qualities, life aspirations, and attitude rather than limiting their decision to caste and religion. Although they are still quite uncommon, intercaste love marriages and a few intercaste arranged marriages have increased as a result of rapidly evolving times and views. The couple still has to overcome many challenges in the majority of inter-caste marriage scenarios in India in order to receive marriage licenses.


The following are the issues that people face in inter-caste marriage:



  • Acceptance by the family members: The main problem with intercaste marriage in India is the rejection by the families. Indian parents frequently oppose change. In India, very few parents voluntarily approve of their children marrying outside their caste. Most parents and other family members kind of disown their children who want to marry outside their caste. In some cases, parents reluctantly approve the intercaste union but later reject the couple. In general, a major barrier for the couple in an interreligious marriage in India is the family's support of the relationship and their aggravation with the bride or groom coming from a different community.

  • Acceptance by society: Indian culture is strongly influenced by the caste system and preconceived notions about marriage. Therefore, it is challenging for society to alter its views toward either of them. Because Indian society does not allow for many interfaith unions, they often dislike these unions. Lack of societal acceptance is one of the key barriers to inter-caste marriage in India. A couple finds it challenging to live without it.

  • Acceptability in the community: The second significant barrier to intercaste marriage in India is the communities' rigidity towards their caste, customs, and rituals. The community ire would also be directed at the pair for choosing an inter-caste union. Communities, especially those in rural areas, have a big impact on people's daily lives and decision-making. In other neighborhoods, people get together to reject and disregard the couple and their families.

  • Acceptance of each other’s lifestyle: Intercaste marriage in India is a problem that affects not only the families, communities, and larger society, but also the couples who decided to get married despite their caste distinctions. It is not surprising that an inter-caste married couple's lifestyle differs greatly from that of other couples because each caste and group in India has a unique influence on the upbringing and personalities of its members. Two persons from different castes need to remain very adaptable and open to new experiences.

  • Acceptance of each other’s cultures: In India, parents are opposed to intercaste unions since the cultures of the various communities vary. Indian families are notoriously rigorous and protective of their traditions, and they expect any new family members to accept them without any conditions. Couples from various cultural origins should also be aware of the key principles kept by that family in order to enjoy time spent with them and avoid feeling alienated.


Although inter-caste marriages entail many challenges, they also have the attractiveness of allowing you to spend the rest of your life with the person you love. Intercaste marriage faces numerous challenges in India, but if the couple has great faith in one another, they may be able to overcome any obstacles. So go ahead and dismantle the barriers of caste to find your ideal partner. Remember that the love and care you have for your life partner, not your caste, forms the foundation of a good marriage.

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