ABSTRACT
In relating several aspects of marriage to the general ethicoreligious and structural values, it seems important that the authors look into the social implications of the rituals of marriage thoroughly, A brief discussion on the uses of certain basic terms seems to be imperative at this stage. While nata marriages are considered legitimate the ritual and social status of a girl married through full ceremonies is higher. Another aspect of our discussion in this treatise has been the relationship of marriage and religion. It has been our purpose to diagnostically present the specific functions of religion associated with different duties, rites and performers, to demonstrate that the ritual complex of Hindu marriage is geared to norm-setting, status affirmation and cooperation-ensuring functions. In the present work this line of approach has not been feasible. Apart from the individuals so placed, the position of caste, clan and lineage will be examined for the major social groups of the village.
