The Grim Reality of Dhadicha Pratha: Renting Women as Wives in India
In parts of India, a disturbing practice known as Dhadicha Pratha involves renting women as wives. This article explores the origins, mechanisms, and societal implications of this tradition, shedding light on the plight of women subjected to such exploitation and the urgent need for legislative action.
We’re all accustomed to the common practices of renting homes, vehicles, and rooms, but there’s a disturbing reality in some Indian communities that often remains hidden: the practice of women being essentially leased out as wives. This article will help you comprehend the extent of depravity that can exist in a patriarchal culture, even though this revelation may be difficult to accept.
Despite India’s strides toward gender empowerment, heartbreaking examples of women’s mistreatment still persist in some parts of the nation. The continued existence of outdated traditions serves to underscore the prevalence of sexual harassment and objectification experienced by women. An awful illustration of this kind of custom can be found in the Indian town of Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, known as “Dhadicha Pratha.”
What is Dhadicha Pratha?
Dhadicha Pratha, also referred to as the Dadhicha custom, involves the “rental” of wives or daughters for periods ranging from days to years. In this system, families—including husbands—offer their daughters or wives for rent at designated markets. Wealthier men select these women based on their appearance and age, with younger girls commanding higher prices. Contracts are established, with some accounts mentioning prices as low as 10 rupees.
The Pricing Mechanism
In Dhadicha, unmarried girls between the ages of 8 and 15 are typically preferred over married women. The bride is rented for specific durations—hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly. Once the agreement expires, it can either be renewed by the same man or a new agreement is established with another man. The typical price ranges from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000 per bride. However, for younger, physically appealing virgins, prices can soar up to 2 lakhs. Non-virgins are priced between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 15,000, depending on factors like age, skin color, and the number of men they have previously been with under such contracts.
From Girl to Bride
Once rented, these girls are married off for the specified period. They are often referred to as “Paro” or “Molki,” translating to “the one with a price.” These young girls face daily rape by multiple men within the family, including their “husbands.” In some homes, even the father-in-law is allowed to engage in sexual relations with the girl, justified by the price paid for her. These girls are reduced to mere objects, serving as sex toys for men and income generators for their parents. Consequently, parents in these villages prefer having more daughters, seeing them as sources of revenue.
Action Against Dhadicha Pratha
Currently, there are no specific laws directly addressing Dhadicha Pratha in India. However, existing legislation can be leveraged to combat this practice. Several non-governmental organizations are making concerted efforts to raise awareness and highlight the illegality of buying and selling women. Yet, villagers often argue that this practice is a crucial source of income and part of their tradition.
Existing Laws
Immoral Traffic Prevention Act (ITPA)
Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act
Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act
Juvenile Justice Act
Indian Penal Code (IPC)
These laws prohibit practices like bride trafficking, forced labor, and commercial sexual exploitation. However, loopholes exist in how these laws address human trafficking and slavery, making it challenging to identify and prosecute Dhadicha Pratha cases.
The Way Forward
To effectively combat Dhadicha Pratha, increased awareness and stricter enforcement of existing laws are crucial. Here’s what needs to be done:
Awareness Campaigns: Educate communities about the illegality and immorality of Dhadicha Pratha.
Stricter Enforcement: Strengthen the implementation of existing laws and close loopholes that allow such practices to continue.
Support Systems: Provide support and rehabilitation for victims of this practice.
Legislative Action: Enact specific laws targeting Dhadicha Pratha and similar practices.
Conclusion
The Indian Constitution outlaws all forms of forced begging, bonded labor, and trafficking. However, the current state of affairs reveals a grim reality where bride trafficking is openly practiced under the guise of tradition. It is appalling that parents themselves are complicit in the exploitation of their daughters. Therefore, it is imperative for the state to recognize this issue, enact stronger legislation, and educate the public about the illegality and immorality of such practices. Ultimately, the world must remember that human dignity and rights are universal truths that transcend all cultures.
FAQs
Ques1: What is Dhadicha Pratha?
Ans: Dhadicha Pratha is a custom in some parts of India where women are rented out as wives for specific periods, often based on criteria such as virginity and physical appearance.
Ques2: Where is Dhadicha Pratha prevalent?
Ans: This practice is notably prevalent in the Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, India.
Ques3: How are the girls priced in Dhadicha Pratha?
Ans: Prices vary based on age, appearance, and virginity status. Younger and physically appealing virgins can command prices up to 2 lakhs, while non-virgins are priced between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 15,000.
Ques4: Are there any laws against Dhadicha Pratha in India?
Ans: There are no specific laws addressing Dhadicha Pratha, but existing legislation like the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act and the Indian Penal Code can be used to combat it.
Ques: What actions are being taken to stop Dhadicha Pratha?
Ans: Non-governmental organizations are raising awareness, and there is a need for stricter enforcement of existing laws and the enactment of specific legislation targeting this practice.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Dhadicha Pratha practice, emphasizing the need for immediate action to protect vulnerable women and uphold human rights in India.
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