In the Central Provinces the Dhanuks have no subcastes. [529] The
names of their _gotras_ or family groups, though they themselves
cannot explain them, are apparently territorial: as Maragaiyan from
Maragaon, Benaikawar from Benaika village, Pangarya from Panagar,
Binjharia from Bindhya or Vindhya, Barodhaya from Barodha village, and
so on. Marriages within the same _gotra_ and between first cousins are
prohibited, and child-marriage is usual. The father of the boy always
takes the initiative in arranging a match, and if a man wants to find
a husband for his daughter he must ask the assistance of his relatives
to obtain a proposal, as it would be derogatory to move in the matter
himself. The contract for marriages is made at the boy's house and is
not inviolable. Before the departure of the bridegroom for the bride's
village, he stands at the entrance of the marriage-shed, and his mother
comes up and places her breast to his mouth and throws rice balls and
ashes over him. The former action signifies the termination of his
boyhood, while the latter is meant to protect him on his important
journey. The bridegroom in walking away treads on a saucer in which
a little rice is placed. Widow-marriage and divorce are permitted.