In law, *streedhan* is a woman's absolute property—gifts given to her before, during, or after marriage, over which she has exclusive control. Dowry, conversely, is a coercive demand made on her family, which is illegal. My view comes from seeing my mother's *streedhan*, a few old gold bangles and her education, seized by my father during a bad harvest; the law existed, but her ownership meant nothing in our *almirah*. For me, streedhan is the salary from my tutoring, hidden from my own family to pay my fees—theoretical law versus a secret savings book.
#relationships#family
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