Classifieds

On Sundays The Hindu publishes classifieds. About 10 job offers, two flats to sell, four investment opportunities, 20 coaching classes.. and 600 + matrimonials.

Some things there sound very familiar : "good looking, nurse, MBA software engineer, well qualified, well settled, affluent family, christian, muslim, hindu.."

Others need a bit of deciphering. I understand that 26/162 (or 29/174) means 26 years old (or 29) and 162 cms tall (or 174). 30000, 80000, or 7L PA mean 30 000 rupees per month, 80 000 rupees per month or 7 lakh = 700 000 rupees per year.
I'm still a bit lost though with some other specifications : "SC/ BC", "SC/ AD", "MFM MNC BPO", "MBBS with PG"... Any ideas ?

And yet others are just so different..

Most ads look for grooms/ brides in the same caste. A few specify "caste no bar" to indicate that this is not the case.
There is no mention of hobbits, character or tastes, except to indicate that the groom/ bride should be of clean habits.
Many are asking for a partner from a good family background.
Some want a "god fearing" partner and that makes me smile.
Divorce is frowned upon in India and it is difficult for divorcees to find a new partner. Hence ads gives details to lessen the impact of the divorce : "virgin divorcee", "non consummated divorcee", "divorce innocent, issueless" (whatever that means). And often divorcees have low expectations with regard to their partner : "seeks any caste/ profession", "seeks any profil groom". That makes me sad.
Finally, a fair skin colour is seen as an advantage : fair, very fair, in some cases wheatish brown..

Also, one can browse directly The Hindu website for the matrimonials. Their search engine reflects the priorities of people here : in addition to age/ location/ profession, one can search by caste, religion, community (hindi/ punjabi/ bangali..), and mother tongue (pretty important indeed) !