Circulation of study material endorsing dowry being probed: Bengaluru college

St. Joseph's College on Friday said it has initiated a probe into the circulation of study material that endorses dowry.

"The matter is being investigated and we are trying to find the root of the problem. Such views have never been part of the college syllabus. Infact, the department and the college are opposed to such obscurantist and oppressive patriarchal views as are contained in the page cited," college Public Relations Officer (PRO), Kiran Jeevan said.

Reportedly, the students of sociology at the St Joseph's College of Arts and Commerce were handed over study material that endorsed the system of dowry.

The incident came to light after a female student posted a picture of page of study material on social networking site Facebook which shows that the page starts with "Generally, though accepted as an evil practice, dowry has its supporters," under the caption 'Advantages of Dowry'.

"The marriage of ugly girls who would otherwise have gone without a partner is made possible by offering heavy amount of dowry," the study material reportedly given to students states. "It is a useful and effective method of attracting good, handsome and sometimes unwilling boys for marriage," the text states.

The study material further said, "Dowry increases the status of a woman in the family. As a woman brings substantial sum at marriage, she is treated well just for her economic contribution. It affects the love and affection her husband bears for her. A poor girl who does not bring huge dowry in her marriage does not usually receive the same attention and affection that is bestowed up on a rich girl."

The study material also claimed that dowry provides "an opportunity for meritorious boys of poor classes" to pursue higher education.