matrimonial

In 1987, the magazine broke new ground by publishing interfaith matrimonial ads - a bold move in a community known for strict endogamy.

In matrimonial columns, skin colour is almost always emphasised and lighter-skinned brides are more in demand.

In India, men often have a laundry list of attributes they want in their brides - a glance at the matrimonial columns in newspapers and match-making websites shows everyone wants tall, fair, beautiful brides.

Lawyers for Ms Vince, 50, said her ex-husband, 63, had been giving away their matrimonial assets in a "wanton and reckless" fashion.

Their helpline number, he says, receives about 86,000 calls every year and most cases are about matrimonial disputes that include false dowry cases and attempts at extortion.