Wow! amazing isn't it? The dowry culture of south asia -- India to be more specific.
The same thing applies here in Nigeria, we pay bride price with some other items added to the dowry which the bridegroom-to-be will have to buy.
In some places the marriage rite is very expensive which makes it difficult for their women to get married and in some cases the man will have to get a loan in other to fulfill the financial aspect of the marriage rite.