VIDEO: Dhadicha – the practice of ‘buying and selling wives on rent’ in Madhya Pradesh

According to media reports, one can get a wife on rent for a month to a year in the small village of Madhya Pradesh, Shivpuri. This practice of buying and selling girls on rent, known as “Dhadicha,” is just one example of how brutally women are treated even after centuries.

Dhadicha Market in India

The market is located in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh. To finalize a deal, an agreement takes place where the whole process of renting these poor wives or women is written on the government official stamp paper worth Rs 10, 50, or 100. The government paper states for how many days (as per money) will the woman stay with the rich man. The period can range anywhere between a month, six months, or a year.

Once the deal is finalized, the girl is handed over to the other party. It is interesting to note that the buyer needs to marry the girl rented out in this shameful practice. At the end of the agreement, the poor girl is sent back to the parents to be sold again to a new customer.

According to the reports, the market has some strict and obnoxious rules too. Younger the girls, the higher the price is demanded by the seller, which in most cases are their parents. Virgin girls aged 8 to 15 have more demand in the market. In contrast, non-virgin girls are rented for nearly 15-25k per year. If the girl is a virgin, aesthetically pleasing, has a fair skin tone, and has a curvy body, the prices can be as high as approximately two lakhs or even more. Therefore, to make these girls look more beautiful, their parents force them to take specified drugs to increase their breast size and body muscles to attract more wealthy customers and fetch higher amounts when they are first sold.

Why is this practice so popular?

There are many reasons behind the evil practice where parents sell their daughters to earn money. The significant reasons are poverty, unemployment, and ancient traditions. Many people consider this option because they believe it to be a good source of quick money-making. The lack of education is also one of the significant factors behind such practices.

Endless Cycle of Women Abuse

According to reports, such evil practices have been taking place for decades. The concerned authorities and the government are well aware of it, but the lack of action and efforts to stop such heinous crimes towards women is unbelievable. However, some NGOs have taken the initiative in this direction.

The question arises: Who is to blame for such horrendous practices against women? Is it the government and the authorities for not taking any action, the people who participate in such crimes, or the women are to be blamed?

One can find many stories like this around the globe where a woman is treated like an object by greedy people. The government should pass laws to criminalize such acts in the name of ancient customs. Education and awareness about human rights have also become necessary to end this cycle of abuse.

What are your thoughts on this? Please share with us in the comment section below.