Ancient Hindu scriptures, such as Manusmriti, identify eight distinct forms of marriage:
1. Brahma Vivaha: A family-arranged union, regarded as the most sacred and ideal.
2. Daiva Vivaha: The bride is offered to a priest during a religious ritual.
3. Arsha Vivaha: The groom provides cattle or wealth to the bride’s father.
4. Prajapatya Vivaha: A union focused on mutual duty and equality.
5. Gandharva Vivaha: A marriage founded on mutual love and consent.
6. Asura Vivaha: Involves wealth or gifts given to the bride's family, frequently criticized.
7. Rakshasa Vivaha: Marriage through abduction, seen as a forced union.
8. Paishacha Vivaha: A union characterized by deceit or exploitation, deemed the least ideal.
These categories illustrate the varied societal customs and traditions of ancient Hinduism.