[Solved] Origin and History of Child Marriage in India

Origin and History of Child Marriage in India

The institution of child marriage in India is historically noted to have started and become common during the Kushan period (1st to 3rd centuries CE). It was influenced by the merging of Central Asian and Indian cultural practices.

Primary Reference: Standard Educational Reference

Archived: 2000

Updated: 13 Apr 2026

The institution of child marriage started in which period?

[R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) (Re-exam.) 2000]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Social institutions and customs often undergo significant shifts due to the arrival of new ruling groups and the fusion of differing cultural practices.

Authentic Source Evidence

Historians trace the significant start and increasing prevalence of child marriage to the Kushan period (1st to 3rd centuries CE). This era saw a synthesis of Indian and Central Asian customs.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: The influx of foreign tribes and political instability led to a desire to 'protect' the purity of brides and secure family alliances early.

Logic 2: While marriage was always a key institution, the specific push towards marrying off children (pre-puberty) became a documented social feature in this period.

Logic 3: This practice further hardened during the Gupta and Post-Gupta periods, becoming a standard social norm.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Why did child marriage become prevalent in the Kushan period?"

It became common due to beliefs regarding family purity, the need for early alliances, and socio-economic considerations during a period of foreign influx.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Child marriage reflects a shift in the status of women in ancient India, moving towards more rigid patriarchal control over female agency."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Kushan Empire 5