The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c7.s2.2

c7.s2.2

A critical survey of the well known eight forms of marriage is very interesting and important from the sociological point of view. We shall first consider the unapproved ones among them, for they take us back to prehistoric times. Paiśācha, Rākshasa and Āsura unquestionably belong to this group. There is a difference of opinion about the Gāndharva or love marriage ; some writers approve and praise it, while others regard it with disfavour. The parties themselves were conscious of a certain irregularity in their conduct, but they knew that they were within the law.