Reasons for and implications of intergenerational conflict over dating behaviour of young people

Abstract

Courtly love and women in Ancient India (Zacharias P Thundy, 2017) states that evidence of courtly love can be found in classical Sanskrit literature texts. Sanskrit was the most used language among the educated classes. (It was often spoken in courts and religious institutions) There are several verses of poetry written on lovemaking with women outside the scope of marriage. Hindu texts such as the Manu-smriti and the Vedas mention eight types of marriages which were considered acceptable. These forms of marriages are defined as “customs” and given legal status under the Hindu Marriage Act (Section 3A). The “Gandharva” form of marriage allows for marriage by mutual consent, with no need for approval from the parents of the bride/bridegroom. However, this marriage was looked down upon by society since it was assumed that it was made on the basis of “lust”.However, there is research that shows that despite being raised in a conservative environment, young people have been able to successfully develop pre-marital relationships. However, due to the gender disparity, it is concluded that fewer women engage in premarital sexual relations than men of the same age and class in India.