In Indian cultures, it is usually custom that one never goes empty-handed when they are invited anywhere. Historically in most Indian cultures, the bride lived with her husband in his ancestral home with his family. The dowry is a present a bride takes with her to her new in-laws. It is something she can take with her in the event of divorce to ensure her financial security. Other terms for this exchange may be “bride price” or “bridewealth.”
