Changing Marriage Institution: A Study of Bhalavalikar Gauda Saraswat Brahmin Community in Dakshina Kannada District

Abstract

Social change is a universal phenomenon. Among the social institutions which have shaped the lives of human beings, marriage plays a significant role. Like other social institutions, the institution of marriage has also been experiencing profound changes. There has been an exponential change with regard to rules of marriage, the acceptable age of marriage, gender norms, child rearing practices, etc. The process of urbanisation, industrialisation, modernisation, western education, advancement of technology, and changes in the structure of family accelerated these changes. When compared to ancient period, the present outlook of marriage is much more liberalised. The present study tries to figure out how many changes that have taken place in the marriage institution of Bhalavalikar Gauda Saraswat Brahmin community in Dakshina Kannada district. Bhalavalikar Gauda Saraswat Brahmins are a sub caste of the larger Saraswat Brahmin Community which has migrated to South India including Dakshina Kannada District from North India in the 17th century. The study also focuses on the various factors that are responsible for the changes in marriage institution. The present study is based on field survey carried out in Belthangady, Bantwala, Puttur and Sullia Taluks of Dakshina Kannada district. The study is both qualitative as well as quantitative in nature.