Spatial Structure of Marriage Circles Among Hindus in Uttar Pradesh

A Case Study of Mathura District

Abstract

The paper explores the ground truth of adverse sex ratio and changes in spatial practices of marriages in Mathura district. Marriages generally operate within a limited region or radius defined as a marriage circle. Marriage circles are developed by the norms and rules of marriages in a region. The questions explored are the reasons why men bring brides from the other regions Are there spatial preferences, are these marriage circles expanding over a region or shrinking within a region, and what are the changes in intergenerational marriage circles. This study uses a number of quantitative and qualitative techniques: In-depth interview of villagers in the form of semi- structured interview; interview of key respondents; Questionnaire survey; Focused group interview.