The Arranged Marriage – Salvation or Undeserved Shackles? The British Indian Viewpoint

I was amazed. My once wayward brother had become a husband, and more importantly I think, a complete family man, spending time at home with mum and dad; it was fun too. It made me think.

Arranged marriage had gained this stigma because of the cases of forced arranged marriages, more from the past but still occurring now in some parts of the world. This I fully agree is wrong, despite what benefits families may receive from the union. Although, the modern day arranged marriage is more like an introduction service, not only between potential husband and wife, but also between families. The union is made to create a majestic bond between people, the sharing of kin and of blood. To try their best to create the best future for the couple and avoid possible instances of feuding between families by testing the waters beforehand. And it works, most of the time. In my brothers case it certainly did. The homely feelings that an arranged marriage and the initial liking between the couple goes a long way into creating the foundations upon which love can grow.

There it is, ‘love’. The word had to come out sooner or later. That golden prize of mental state that everyone aspires to and consequently many take for granted. Love is there in arranged marriages. I have seen it myself. Maybe not there at first. But it is given the best chance to grow amidst the perfect environment of family, respect, trust and responsibility.

Now I’m not saying that I am totally converted and I am also definitely going to tread that path, I am saying that the option is not a closed door anymore. My mind is open.