The Paishacha marriage (Sanskrit: पैशाचविवाह, romanized: Paiśāchavivāha) is a non-righteous form of marriage described in Hindu literature. When a man stealthily rapes a woman who is asleep, intoxicated, or mentally challenged, it is regarded as a marriage, though only to preserve the honour of the woman.[1]
This is condemned in the Manusmriti as a sinful act.[2] In modern times, this is classified as a form of date rape, and is a crime in most countries.[3][4]
References
- ↑ Tripāṭhī, Candrabalī; Mani, Chandra Mauli (2005). The Evolution of Ideals of Womenhood in Indian Society. Gyan Books. p. 109. ISBN 978-81-7835-425-5. Archived from the original on 2024-07-16.
- ↑ Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi by Ganganatha Jha | 1920 | 1,381,940 words | ISBN 8120811550 (https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/manusmriti-with-the-commentary-of-medhatithi/d/doc199802.html)
- ↑ Manusmriti 3.27-34.
- ↑ Banerjee, Sir Gooroodass (1879). The Hindu Law of Marriage and Stridhan. Thacker, Spink. p. 87. Archived from the original on 2023-05-10.