It is a complicated topic whose meaning, despite having a general description given on Wikipedia or on other media platforms, differs from society to society. In Polish society (maybe European society as well?) it is referred to when someone arranges a partner for you. This is an outdated system and is a dismay in public opinion. Conversely, in India, it seems to differ a lot not only in the philosophical sense where 8 types of marriages are defined in Atharva Veda and Manusmiriti, but in practice as well where parents insist to find partners for their children regardless of their children's willingness. In Indian arranged marriages, parents and family seem to play a key role contrary to Western love marriages where only the couple is important. So in a conclusive sense, one can say that an Indian arranged marriage is a marriage of parents and family without much focus on the couple.
The 8 types of marriages—top 4 are accepted and bottom 4 are forbidden—are following:
- Brahma Vivaha: a similar tradition to modern Indian arranged marriage, in which a well-educated (in Vedas) groom's parents seek a suitable girl.
- Daiva Vivaha: A bride is donated to the priest as a part of religious sacrifice.
- Arsha Vivaha: It includes donation (or modern dowry?) in exchange for a bride.
- Prajapatya Vivaha: It is similar to Brahma Vivaha but in this case the bride's parents seek a suitable guy, making it inferior to Brahma Vivaha.
- Gandharva Vivaha: Very similar to modern-day love marriages in which lust or sexual attraction is the reason for the marriage.
- Asura Vivaha: A bridegroom pays a price to get the bride. It is still in practice but only in rural areas. I have heard of 2 cases in my locality.
- Raksasha Vivaha: This is a forced or kidnapped marriage. It is interesting to know that in Romanian society it is still popular.
- Paisacha Vivaha: It is the most sinful act, even mentioned in Manusmriti, in which a woman who is asleep, intoxicated, or mentally challenged, is raped and therefore,s to preserve the honour of woman it is regarded as a marriage.
