Decoding ‘Daarosh’: Resisting a Regressive Custom Suppressing Women’s Voice and Violating Her Right

This Paper is an attempt to decode the tribal custom prevalent in Himachal Pradesh called Darosh which means forcible marriage where the boy kidnaps the girl of his choice without her consent and establishes a physical relationship with her during that night after which the relationship is formally accepted and recognised as a marriage. This has been depicted in the story called Darosh authored by SR Harnot. The story revolves around the sister of the victim of this ritual who also resists all attempts on her kidnapping. The story gives a glimpse into the custom, delving into the complexities and the hidden circuits of mutual cooperation among the families of the groom and bride and exposes the hypocrisy of society in accepting such marriages that directly encroach on the girl's right to choose a life partner. It also depicts the strong resistance that the patriarchal system faces from the modern educated women of today.