Honour Killings in India: Caste, Marriage, and Social Change

Context:
Despite legal protections, honour killings continue in India, especially against inter-caste couples, as caste hierarchies face growing challenges from social change and youth autonomy.

Why Do Honour Killings Happen?

🔹 Threat to Caste Order: Marriages between Dalits and dominant castes—especially Dalit men with upper-caste women—trigger violent backlash.
🔹 Regional Hotspots: States like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Kerala report more cases—not because caste is strongest, but where it’s being challenged.
🔹 Low Inter-Caste Marriage Rate: Only ~5% of Indian marriages are inter-caste, showing deep social resistance.

Family as a Caste Enforcer

🔸 Families uphold caste through rituals, marriage rules, and social pressure.
🔸 Children learn caste identities early, making it a self-perpetuating system.
🔸 Khap panchayats and relatives often justify violence to “protect” community honour.

Signs of Social Change

✅ Youth Autonomy: Urban youth increasingly value love marriages, individual choice, and equality.
✅ Weakening Family Control: Rising education and mobility reduce family dominance over marriage.
✅ Legal Support: SC/ST Act, IPC Section 300 (murder), and NHRC guidelines protect inter-caste couples.
✅ Democratic Resistance: Grassroots movements and inter-caste alliances push for equality.