International Journal of Engineering Applied Sciences and Technology, 2020 Vol. 4, Issue 12, ISSN No. 2455-2143, Pages 610-614 Published Online April 2020 in IJEAST (http://www.ijeast.com) 610 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONSTRUCTION OF DOWRY AMONG RURAL WOMEN OF HARYANA (INDIA) Subhash Chander, Jatesh Kathpalia, Vinod Kumari Department of Sociology Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana Abstract - The practice of dowry is widespread in India and refers to the payment of cash/gifts by the bride's family to the bridegroom's family before marriage. Though prohibited by law, dowry is widely practiced, and often contributes to severe injuries and even death of young brides. This study examined the various aspects of nature and extent related to dowry among rural women of Karnal district of Haryana. It was found from the field of the study that out of 200 respondents, 10.5 per cent faced the problem related to dowry. The maximum number of cases regarding dowry demand were made by mother-in-laws (76.19%). Main demands for dowry were of cash money (57.14%). The maximum number of the respondents (42.86%) reported physical violence followed by verbal abuse (38.09) and psychological/emotional (28.57%). It was also suggested that Voluntary organizations and Gram Panchayats should come forward to work for the abolition of dowry system in Haryana. They should make propaganda against the evils of dowry. Key words - Nature, extent, problem of dowry, dowry demand, reasons for demanding dowry, violence etc. I. INTRODUCTION In a crime that is prevalent only in India, greedy husbands and his relatives harass the newly wed bride for getting more dowry, and often kill her in the process. And, very often, she is burnt alive. This horror is therefore called bride-burning or in official terms, dowry death. In 2010, there were 8391 reported cases of dowry death in the country. That works out to a shocking one death every hour approximately. Bride-burning is on the increase - just a decade ago, in 2000, there were 6995 cases. Dowry is an ancient tradition among the upper castes but its spread among all sections of society probably in the late nineteenth century. With increasing commercialization this acquired a new meaning - it became an opportunity for men and their families to get their hands on cash, jewellery, durables, and various other commodities. Although the government prohibited dowry through legislation in 1961, it was never implemented properly. Prohibition officers were supposed to have been appointed in each district, taking the battle to the grassroots but nothing happened. And, the tide of greed driven murder of young brides continued unabated. After all, conviction rates in bride burning cases have dipped from an already weak 37% in 2000 to 34% in 2010. In section 498A cases, the conviction rates are even lower: just 19%, although reported cases were 94,000 in 2010 (Verma, 2012). Human rights represent the right of all human beings of sexes, men and women. Women represent about half of total population and gender inequality and biasness are main features of rural society. The night of women in general is distressing and their conditions in society are not so good. Even today, women are not enjoying as such freedom and liberties as men do. Crime against women is increasing day by day. There has been constant rise in dowry deaths, rape, molestation, torture, sexual harassment and domestic violence. NCRP reported 8618 dowry deaths in 2012. With Govt., initiates and women's own efforts their status is improving. Marriage is an auspicious ceremony which units two bodies and soul into one. It is lifelong bonding of male and female. The demand of dowry or dowry system is a deep rooted problem in our society. The dowry system is a cultural system in India in which parents of bride pay a huge sum of money jewellery, gift and other household items to the parents of groom before marriage, during and after marriage. Dowry has an impact of women's marital life. It is multi-faceted, deep rooted gender issue with socio-psychological economic and health consequences. The social and cultural effect of dowry system are devastating to