The first condition of marriage between a man and a woman is that both must belong to each other totally.

In this quote, Munshi Premchand, a renowned Hindi-Urdu writer, reflects on the foundational elements of marriage. He suggests that the core principle of a marriage between a man and a woman is that both partners must belong to each other totally. This implies an absolute sense of commitment, where each person surrenders a degree of independence in order to be wholly devoted to the other. Premchand highlights the idea that marriage is not just a partnership of convenience or affection, but a deep, all-encompassing bond that requires total involvement from both parties.

Premchand’s view of marriage suggests that it should be characterized by mutual devotion and selflessness. The use of the word "totally" emphasizes the need for complete emotional, mental, and even social connection between the partners. It suggests that marriage, in its ideal form, involves shared lives, responsibilities, and aspirations, where both individuals are deeply invested in the well-being of each other.

However, the notion of total belonging in marriage can be seen as reflective of traditional and sometimes conservative views on gender roles and marital expectations, where the partners—particularly the wife—were expected to be wholly devoted to their husbands in a more unequal power dynamic. In Premchand's context, this may reflect the social norms of his time, which often placed a strong emphasis on family unity and self-sacrifice within the institution of marriage.

Ultimately, Premchand's quote underscores the idea that marriage should be a union of complete devotion and mutual commitment, where both partners are equally invested in each other's lives. While this view advocates for a strong, unifying bond, it also reflects a more traditional understanding of the sacrifices and responsibilities inherent in marital relationships, suggesting that true harmony can only exist when both individuals are fully committed to one another.