A General Question About A Social Norm In India

[ThomWV]

I have a question about India. How are children born out of wedlock viewed by the general Hindu population in India? I would offer that in this country in these times there is little concern about the marital status of a child's parents at the time of birth, but that hasn't always been the case. The term 'bastard' has never had a good meaning when referring to a child here but the notion that the child was somehow blemished and incapable of complete integration into the society - an outcast by definition.

If you know please tell me, and while you're at it, do you know this from first hand knowledge; are you from or have you lived any considerable time in India?

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. From what I know

from friends from India and who have spent time in India, chastity in the bride is very important. Out of wedlock births are considered a disgrace, just as they were when I was a youngster. I think that out of wedlock births and living together without being married only became common here in the Midwestern US in the last 20 years or so.

[jbonkowski]

2. Not really true

Living together without being "married" has been common through both US and world history.

Being married with proper documentation, etc. is pretty much a 20th century invention, for most. In some parts of the country, it was quite far into the 20th century before becoming commonplace.

jim

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. Not true as far as my family goes

I have documentation of marriages, divorces (some quite early), deaths, etc. Marriage licenses and documentation was, in every case, easier to come by than birth certificates, and I'm talking back into the 1600s. I've also done extensive research for others in New England in particular, and have found only one case of bastardy and one of rape. Since I was going back to 1620, I'd say that I looked over quite a few thousand people. If you have cited sources for your comments, please give them. I'm ready to cite sources for mine.

[cliss]

3. That's what I've seen, as well.

I believe it would be Unthinkable to live together in India, much less have children together. India is an extremely conservative country, in that respect. Divorce I think is equally as unthinkable to them.

It's just a completely different outlook. Brides, husbands are still chosen by the parents. Even when they are adults, have various Ph.D's it's just incredible. Also, parents consult astrology for compatibility. Over there, SO much is done according to auspicious times according to the family Pundit.

Besides, you gotta have those big weddings, which last a week.