The Asura type of marriage is one in which the bridegroom has to give money to the father or kinsman of the bride. The bridegroom decides the price according to the position of the bride"s family in society. The main consideration of this form of marriage is money. The bride, in this form of marriage, is virtually purchased.
In the Asura marriage, the groom is not at all suitable for the bride. He willingly gives as much wealth as he can afford, to the bride`s parents and relatives. It could be looked upon as bribe for getting the girl the boy desires even if he is in no way is a match for the girl. Therefore, the system of marriage is more or less like buying a product, which makes it undesirable in the present time. Generally the groom is of lower social rank or caste than the bride.
The Smriti writers consider the Asura marriage either a traditional custom or a necessary evil. According to Manu, the learned father of the girl should not accept even the least amount of price. If he accepts it, he comes to be regarded as the seller of children. In the present day this form of marriage is still popular amongst the low caste Hindus and some other tribes of India.
It is not blessed by learned persons due to the involvement of dowry system, etc.
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