Synopsis The present study examines a century's (1891-1991) change in female's marriage age in different states of India, and explores the regional variations within each of the major states for the recent decades. It studies correlates like education and work, and social and cultural factors like religion, caste and tribe status in influencing female’s marriage age. The study reveals the diversity of marriage age and marriage practices but a clear convergence is visible in recent times in the light of increasing role of education in homogenising the marriage practices of the different parts of the country.