Not all of the types of marriages in Ancient India had religious sanction. So the list below does not represent "Hindu Marriages".

Clearly, the first four types listed were accepted to varying degree and the latter four were condemned.

(1) Bramha Marriage

The father or guardian gave away his daughter, "decked with costly garments and jewels" to a carefully chosen bridegroom well versed in the Vedas (religious scripture) and endowed in noble qualities.

(2) Daiva Marriage (extremely rare)

Daughter "duly decked with ornaments", was given in gratitude to a priest for performing some important worship rituals.

(3) Arsha Marriage

Bride’s father received a gift of milk cow and a breeding bull from the bridegroom. This was not considered dowry, but a token of respect.

(4) Prajaapaatya Marriage

Bride’s father gave his daughter to the bridegroom with the traditional blessing "May both of you perform your duties together."

(5) Gaandharva Marriage

Bridegroom and bride married secretly without the knowledge of their parents. This was considered inferior because it was caused by lustful impulses.

(6) Asura Marriage

Bridegroom voluntarily gave as much wealth as he could afford to the bride’s relatives, not in accordance with the injunctions of the scriptures because it was like buying the bride, which was prohibited.

(7) Raakshasa Marriage

Woman was forcibly taken away from her family and then persuaded to marry. This was considered inferior because it was caused by lustful impulses

(8) Paishacha Marriage

Person married a woman whom he had seduced while she was asleep, intoxicated or insane, this was prohibited.