How is marriage presented in the novel The Vendor of Sweets?

The Vendor of Sweets is very much a piece of writing where the theme and concept of marriage plays a central role. This piece of writing cleverly shows both modern and traditional views of marriage. Jagan and Ambika represent a traditional form of marriage where Jagan, is the male head of household and has complete control. This is viewed by his child, Mali, as contributing to the death of her mother. In this way, the author is trying to make the case that a patriarchal form of marriage will literally kill people and is dangerous.
The reader then sees a more modern form of marriage, where both people are seen as equal partners, although the wife could also be in control. Mali ends up meeting a woman named Grace, but unlike his father, does not believe he needs to actually be married to her. They are partners and they have intimate relations, but they never are actually married. As can be assumed, Jagan is upset by this, because it goes against his notion of what marriage should be about, including an actual commitment to each other. This shows how just one generation can make a difference in the views towards an institution such as marriage.