The findings are part of the Hindustan Times-CNN-IBN State of the Nation survey, conducted by Centre for the Study of Developing Societies.

In the section on family values, only 14 per cent were opposed to equal inheritance rights for daughters (9 per cent had no opinion). This is in tune with the recent amendment in the Hindu Succession Act to include daughters as equal inheritors. Earlier, only Kerala and Maharashtra had the provision.

Indians continue to be conservative in other areas. For instance, 72 per cent respondents said parents should have the final say in marriages and only 24 per cent believed the prospective bride and groom should have the last word. Surprisingly, 59 per cent in urban areas gave parents the right (against 67 per cent in rural areas).

The other surprise: inter-religious marriages seemed to find more favour than inter-caste marriages among the respondents (55 per cent of whom said they worshipped daily). While 74 per cent found inter-caste marriages unacceptable, 56 per cent said inter-religious marriages should be opposed.

- HT Correspondent, New Delhi, January 25, 2006