At one time, India was the land of swayamvars. Draupadi had stated her objections publicly and refused to consider Karan as her suitor. Indeed, our folklore is replete with instances wherein women not only exercised marital choice but also had an upper hand in such alliances. In modern India, however, it is the urban, educated and professional men who call the shots, writes Nonika Singh

Where sick birds flock together,
by H.C. Ger