Idea of a Settled Girl

Security in Kashmir and India has long been tied to marriage. A new imagination places a woman's future in her own hands.

- Palveen Kour

A daughter's wedding often marks a turning point in the valley. Parents speak of that day as the moment she becomes “settled.”

They believe a husband's home offers stability, protection, and continuity.

This belief runs deep across India as well. Families measure success through ceremonies, gold, and the promise of a dependable groom. Discussions about a girl's future often circle back to marriage. Education enters the picture, though it sometimes serves as an ornament rather than a foundation.

A degree improves a proposal, a job strengthens a biodata, and marriage remains the final destination.

Early marriages grow out of this mindset. Parents arrange weddings at a young age with hope in their hearts. They trust that a husband will provide comfort and support. They see marriage as a secure bridge into adulthood. Their intentions spring from care and concern. They want their daughters to live with respect and stability.

This tradition holds an unspoken assumption.

A woman's future rests in another person's income. Her safety depends on the strength of a husband's earnings. Her place in society connects to her marital status. A ring becomes a symbol of assurance.

Modern India tells another story.