Question

In which marriage, the prospective husband stays in the house of prospective wife and if the marriage is not solemnised, the boy has to pay compensation to the girl's family?

• A. Probationary marriage
• B. Trial marriage
• C. Marriage by capture
• D. Marriage by purchase

Hint:

Focus on the keywords: "stays in the house" (residence), "prospective" (before marriage), and "compensation" (penalty for failure). These elements point to a period of testing or probation, making "Probationary marriage" the most accurate anthropological term.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question describes a specific type of marriage arrangement found in some traditional societies, focusing on the pre-marital residence and the consequences if the marriage does not proceed.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Probationary marriage: This involves a period where the prospective groom lives with the bride's family, essentially on a "probation." His character, work ethic, and suitability as a husband are evaluated by the family. This is also a form of "marriage by service." The existence of a penalty (compensation) for not completing the marriage is a key feature, indicating a formal, binding arrangement being tested. This matches the description perfectly.
- Trial marriage: This term usually refers to a less formal arrangement where a couple cohabits to test their compatibility before committing to a formal marriage. While similar, it doesn't typically involve living with the bride's parents under their evaluation or a formal compensation clause.
- Marriage by capture: This involves the abduction of the bride and is not related to the described scenario.
- Marriage by purchase: This involves the payment of a bride price from the groom's family to the bride's family. The scenario described involves service and potential compensation, not an upfront purchase.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The arrangement where a groom is tested by living with the bride's family, with a penalty for failure, is best described as a probationary marriage.