Peer-reviewed article
CHILD MARRIAGE: A STUDY OF TAMIL NADU
Tamilarasi M., Panneer Selvam R. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examines child marriage in Tamil Nadu, India, tracing its history from colonial times through the present day. It shows that social reform movements and legal measures like the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 have reduced early marriage rates, but significant disparities remain in poor rural areas. The research indicates that poverty, gender inequality, and limited awareness continue to drive the practice despite legal protections. The authors conclude that laws alone are not enough; sustainable change requires investment in girls' education, economic empowerment, and community awareness.
Key points
- Child marriage in colonial Tamil Nadu disproportionately affected girls under 15, often leading to early widowhood and limited education
- Social reform leaders like Periyar E. V. Ramasamy and Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy significantly influenced public opinion and policy on child marriage
- The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 has contributed to measurable declines in early marriages
- District-level disparities persist, with economically disadvantaged rural communities showing higher rates of child marriage
- Legal interventions alone are insufficient without complementary investments in female education, economic empowerment, and awareness
Limitations
The document does not provide specific prevalence rates or quantitative comparisons between historical periods and current data. It does not evaluate any specific intervention programme with a control group or measure outcomes for particular policy implementation strategies.
Abstract
Child marriage has historically constituted a significant socio-cultural challenge in Tamil Nadu, shaped by entrenched caste hierarchies, patriarchal norms, and economic constraints. This study critically examines the historical background, legislative evolution, and contemporary trends of child marriage in the region. Using a qualitative and quantitative research framework, the study draws upon census data, legislative records, reformist writings, and secondary scholarly sources to analyse patterns across different historical phases. Evidence from the colonial period, particularly under the Madras Presidency, indicates a high prevalence of marriages among girls below the age of fifteen, often resulting in early widowhood and limited educational opportunities. The study further evaluates the impact of social reform movements led by prominent figures such as Periyar E. V. Ramasamy and Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy, whose advocacy significantly influenced public opinion and policy formulation. Legislative interventions, including progressive amendments culminating in the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, have contributed to a measurable decline in early marriages. Despite notable progress, district-level disparities persist, particularly in economically disadvantaged rural communities where poverty, gender inequality, and limited awareness continue to sustain the practice. The findings underscore that legal measures alone are insufficient without complementary investments in female education, economic empowerment, and community-based awareness initiatives. The study concludes that a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach is essential to ensure the sustainable eradication of child marriage in Tamil Nadu.