Marriage And Thereafter

Marriageable age in urban India seems to be increasing with men getting married at an average of 24 years and above and women at 22. Surprisingly, the first sexual intercourse does not usually take place in the much eulogised suhag raat, but in 63 per cent of the cases a few days later when the couple get to know each other better. Especially in Calcutta where only 14 per cent have intercourse on the night of marriage. Six per cent of newly married couples indulge in their first sexual act more than a month after marriage.

In an overwhelming number of cases, the first move towards intercourse is made by the man. This is the experience of 61 per cent of male respondents and 59 per cent of females. But in a significant number of cases (around 30 per cent), both made the first move. In sexual foreplay, kissing seems to be the most popular (80 per cent), followed by stimulation through hands (54 per cent) and undressing each other (47 per cent). Reading erotic literature and watching blue films come last—at 15 and 14 per cent respectively. The survey shows women are not passive but equal partners before, during and after intercourse. So much for the myth that the Indian woman is martyr to her partner’s sexual whims and fantasies.

Who made the first move?
Partner : 32%
Both : 30%
Self : 34%
No response : 4%

First sexual intercourse post marriage:
Suhag raat/day of marriage : 30%
1 - 2 days later : 32%
1 Week later : 16%
2 week later : 5%
1 month later : 6%
Later : 4%
No response : 7%

Age of marriage 
Male
22 - 25 years : 29%
Below 21 years : 18%
26 years and above : 53%

Sexual foreplay
Kissing :80%
Use hands to stimulate : 54%
Undressing each other : 47%
Massasging : 43%
Having explicit conversation : 23%
Looking at explicit pictures : 15%
Reading erotic literature : 15%
Watching blue films : 14%