A practice which raises numerous questions on gender equality: Rent a wife
It's shocking, isn't it? That India is a land where goddesses are worshipped but also a land where some females are raped, subjected to domestic violence and to heinous crimes like renting them. In the Shivpuri village of Madhya Pradesh, women are subjected to gruseome traditions such as "Renting Them" through the age-old tradition of Dhadicha Pratha. This age-old custom involves renting wives to men, and its origins and practice are as intriguing as they are unsettling.
Dhadicha Pratha, a term scarcely spoken beyond the region, dates back centuries. Families facing extreme poverty saw this as a means to alleviate their financial burdens. An annual market is set-up where daughters and wives are offered to wealthy businessmen in exchange for a nominal fee, formalized on stamped papers. This nominal fee, is often as low as ten, fifty, or a hundred rupees through a stamped goverment paper. Yes, government paper. The terms can vary from renting the wife/daughter for a month to a year.
The transaction is facilitated by brokers, who retain the majority of the payment, leaving a meager share for the family. The rented wives are handed over to men lacking a spouse, partner, or heir. As antiquate as it may sound, the fetish in these markets is for virgin girls aged between 8 and 15 years. They are seen more valuable than married women. The brokers then negotiate the deal with a stamp duty as low as INR 50. The terms of the contract are then decided for a year or more with the rental amount ranging between INR 10000 to INR 150000.
The existence of Dhadicha Pratha raises pressing questions about human rights and gender equality. It underscores the urgent need for societal reform and governmental intervention. As awareness spreads, it is crucial for both local and global communities to unite in eradicating this archaic practice.
Intriguing yet disturbing, Dhadicha Pratha is a stark reminder of the complexities within cultural traditions. As we delve deeper into its origins and ongoing practice, it becomes clear that change is not just necessary but imperative. The fight against this exploitation continues, and it’s a fight we all must support.
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