What does dowries mean?

A dowry refers to the property, money, or gifts that a bride's family provides to the groom or his family as part of the marriage arrangement. Traditionally, dowries can serve as a form of financial security for the bride or as a way to strengthen familial ties between the two families. The practice varies significantly across cultures and can carry different implications and significance in different societies. In some contexts, dowries have been criticized for perpetuating gender inequality and financial burdens on brides' families.