Abstract
The author uncovers the hidden assumptions behind the colonial attempt to encourage widow remarriage. The author discusses the history of widow remarriage in its karewa form under both colonial and post-colonial rule. By providing an historical perspective on the legal regulation of widows, she exposes how the law is used not primarily to improve the status of widows, but to ensure that property and wealth remain within and under the control of her husband's family. She notes that despite legislative reform, the practice of karewa continues as a result of pressure from the former husband's family, particularly in cases of women who are beneficiaries of special grants, such as war widows' pensions. (Editor’s abstract.)
Recommended Citation
Chowdhry, Prem
(1993)
"Conjugality, Law and State: Inheritance Right as Pivot of Control in Northern India,"
National Law School Journal: Vol. 5:
Iss.
1, Article 4.
Available at:
https://repository.nls.ac.in/nlsj/vol5/iss1/4