The study was essentially an investigation of deaths related to the practice in Hindu society of having a prospective wife's family provide money and material goods (dowry) to the bridegroom. This practice has in many cases provided an incentive for husbands to kill their wives shortly after they have become married in order to seek another bride's dowry as a means of accumulating wealth. Over the period of this study, 117 cases met the criteria for inclusion. Case information was obtained through the findings of thorough postmortem examinations. Medico-legal aspects of each case were examined, along with sociocultural and economic factors linked to the case. Information was obtained from the investigating officer and relatives, parents, the husband, and in-laws of the deceased. The deceased women were most often Hindu housewives from the lower socioeconomic class. The most vulnerable age group was 21- to 25-years-old. The most common cause of death was burns, and poisoning was the next most frequent cause of death. A total of 59 percent of the deaths were deemed accidental, and 30 percent were judged to be suicides. Approximately 23 percent of the cases had an alleged history of dowry demands, harassment, torture, and subsequent deaths. Fifty-seven percent of the victims died within the first 3 years of marriage, suggesting possible marital problems. Recommendations for addressing dowry-related deaths are media campaigns against the practice, the promotion of women's liberation, social isolation of men who have perpetrated dowry deaths, marital counseling, and legal and administrative action. 11 tables and 12 references