THE PUPIL OF LITERATURE

INTRODUCTION Marriage aided by matchmaking is the most basic traditional institution of human life around the world. In the olden days, marriage was based on the strategic alliance of the Kings. The Anglo-Saxon society or the Indian janapadas extending their belts to become mahajanapadas saw ties to establish peaceful relations by acquiring a territory.  Marriage, especially in Hindu custom is a      ' sanskara ' or purificatory ceremony obligatory for every Hindu. It is a sacred institution in India marking a turning point in an individual's life as he enters the second important phase or ashram of his life- the 'Grahasthyaashram'. ALLIANCE TO MUTUAL CONSENT However, in 1140 the Benedictine monk Gratian brought the concept of consent. From here on, there was more to marriage and matchmaking than just land or property. For instance, the marriage of Dushyanta and Shakuntala is an example of swayamvara.  We have instances of a matrilocal marriage in the Indus Valley C