Blame the british. In pre-colonial India women had extensive rights, including property rights. The dowry is exclusively controlled by her so that she can have economic independence if she needs it.
In post colonial india property rights were taken away from women so that the dowry was transformed from something to help your daughter to a payment to your son in law.
In post colonial india property rights were taken away from women so that the dowry was transformed from something to help your daughter to a payment to your son in law.