Birth, Marriage, Honor & Poverty: Ramifications of Traditional Hindu Culture & Custom on Modern Indian Women.

Introduction The continuing ramifications of Hindu teachings on the lives of modern Indian women and girls are an important aspect of understanding crimes of violence against them, as is the fact that the application of scriptural and traditional knowledge is mitigated by economic class, religious caste levels, and geographic location. Nevertheless, overall and despite prohibitive legislation, discrimination, hostility, and violence against women remain pervasive throughout the sub-continent. Hindu teachings, as they are applied on the basis of customary practice, have changed over time and are further affected by changing economic systems, particularly the shift from traditional agriculture to capitalist structures. These changes have not improved the status of women.