The custom of dowry payments among various classes, religions, and castes in South India is the subject of this interdisciplinary study. Dowries have become a growing problem in India and have contributed to violence, including murder and sex-selective abortions. The huge dowries a bride's family feels forced to pay to the groom and his family have had negative repercussions on the identity of women - a paradox in these times of so-called "modernization".
The project focuses on two states, Kerala and Karnataka, regions that are underrepresented with regard to studies on dowry. Kerala is of particular interest because of its matrilineal tradition and the prevalence of marriages between cousins. The state of Kerala lends itself to comparative studies, as its population is about 20% Christian, 20% Muslim and 60% Hindu. In addition, there are many castes and subgroups within the three main religions. The methodology to be employed will combine historical sources with in-depth interviews and will seek to determine the social groups, chronology and reasons for the spread of the dowry system.