Has the Indian groom evolved?

Caste, compatible horoscopes and in-laws mean little to the average, heterosexual, adult Indian male, according to results of a survey by an online matrimonial service. He wants a woman who works outside the home, provided she's fair-skinned, as educated as him and makes less money than he does

The results of a recent survey conducted by online matrimonial service shaadi.com are proof that marriage is a businessu00a0-- at least for the over 1.5 lakh Indians and NRIs who participated. Apart from the traditional parameters of money (94% of the men said they were "open" to marrying someone who earned less than they did, compared to 34% women), education (62% men would prefer to marry a woman who is as educated as them, while 69% women would prefer someone more educated), age (72% men would prefer marrying someone who was younger than them, while 89% women preferred an older man), the survey found that Indians are willing to place more emphasis on compatibility over horoscopes and are open to getting a pre-nuptial agreement (62% men deemed it somewhat to very important, compared to 70% women).

"We found that women with siblings prefer to get married to guys with siblings. Also, since more women have started working, they prefer a joint family system as it provides them with a safety net," explains Gourav Rakshi, Business Head, Shaadi.com.

Simran Kaur, (26), a consultant for an MNC, who participated in the survey agrees. "I would prefer to get married to a guy who has a sibling, so that family responsibilities get divided," she says. The survey also marks the resurgence of the 'eligible engineer'.

"It as a job preference took a beating around the time of the recession, but is now seeing a return. Working in the private sector has also become a more viable alternative, as corporate jobs have become more attractive," adds Gourav.

Aniruddha Pant (29), chartered accountant, who has only just started "seeing girls", says that he is keen on someone who has "dreams and ambitions", provided she puts family first. "I come from a nuclear family and have a hectic job, which means that there are times when she would need to take a break and take care of my parents."

And yes, he would prefer a woman who is "fair-skinned" though it's "okay" if she is a year or two older than him.u00a0Omkar Shrinivasan (33), who works in the marketing department of a media company, believes that it boils down to practicality.u00a0"In Mumbai, you can't afford to be with someone who prefers to be a homemaker, unless she is raising kids."

Bride and groom: Made to order
Key findings from the Shades of Shaadi 2011 survey, conducted by online matrimony site shaadi.com

Age matters.
72% of the men said they would prefer their spouse to be younger than them
89% of the women said that they would prefer their spouse to be older than them.

Second base? Sure.
89% of the women said they would be willing to shift base (country) post marriage. Interestingly, men were not asked the same question.

Overweight? fat chance.
73% of the men said they were not open to marrying a woman who is overweight.
77% of theu00a0 women said they were not open to marrying a man who is overweight.

Fair is lovely.
1% of the men said they were open to the idea of marrying a woman with a dark complexion, as opposed to 49% who would prefer a 'fair' bride.
5% of the women said that they were open to the idea of marrying a man with a dark complexion, as opposed to 25% who would prefer a 'fair' groom.