Travancore's non-existent 'Breast Tax'
Travancore's non-existent 'Breast Tax'

Mulakaram The Breast Tax and Woman Empowerment for UPSC IAS Exam

Mulakaram The Breast Tax and Woman Empowerment

This is Mulakaram, which also ironically goes by the name of “Breast Tax.” This has recently been a talking point due to its importance in the comprehension of the mission that women of Kerala, India, faced. This is an important topic for the people targeting UPSC Civil Services Examination, especially concerning the rights and empowerment of women.

Woman empowerment

Now the question arises who will give such power to that I would say your mother has the right to say she s your mother same way you as a woman has the right to show woman empowerment to commemorate woman-ship one has to see its inner strength .one of them recalled of such issue a right which one had taken. Mulakaram The Breast Tax and Woman Empowerment for UPSC IAS Exam

One such incident of ladies in Kerela they had to give breast taxread full story here by BBC yes thats shocking but yes thats true there was ritual in which the girls or ladies of Dalit groups were not allowed to wear upper part attire they were not allowed to cover there upper parts, they had to keep their breast bare only for the malicious people who enjoyed seeing woman bare breast. Even the raja was involved in such acts when he use to go somewhere he use to ask his men to present unmarried girls and big breast for him while traveling he use to gaze them and use to enjoy and the woman they could do nothing only to obey such rubbish order, but after sometime there was a lady in there group who was not agreeing to the fact that she had to give that tax so her breasts were cut and she died then and there . This is were woman started a revolution where they started opposing such acts well they even thought that if they changed their religion they would be saved that did what ever and tried all possible measures but while entering the temple they still didn’t have any choice the pujaris were forcing these woman to not to wear or cover there upper parts . Mulakaram The Breast Tax and Woman Empowerment for UPSC IAS Exam

Mulakaram Travancore's non-existent 'Breast Tax'
Travancore’s non-existent ‘Breast Tax’

HISTORY

How Tipu Sultan Helped Dalit Women Regain Their Honour From Upper Caste Oppression Mulakaram

Critics of Tipu Sultan (and Haidar Ali) give examples of four major communities as proof of brutalities and religious bigotry of these father-son rulers – Christians of Coastal Karnataka, Nayars of Malabar (Kerala), Coorgis and Brahmins, particularly the Mandyam Iyengars of Melukote.

The latter three are often clubbed together as Hindus. And then there is a counter against these arguments by authors who believe Haidar-Tipu were just like other rulers of that day and age – neither heroes nor villains but a product of their times. A closer look at the social structure and caste hierarchy of Kerala in the 18th and 19th centuries and the place of one of the castes – the Nairs during the period, suggests the conflicts may not have been religious.

It is a well-known fact that Haidar Ali rose to power from the position as an ordinary soldier in the army of the Mysore Hindu Wodeyars in the early 1750s. But what is not known much is that when he joined the service of Wodeyars, the Wodeyar family members were already prisoners of Nanjaraj, the Hindu Dalwai (Minister) of the Wodeyars. It is also not well known that Haidar Ali conducted his first-ever raid of the Malabar region under the service of the Wodeyar Dalwais. This attack is part of what some historians now term as the ‘Mysore invasions of Malabar’. This is not very different from the attacks of the Hindu Maratha Empire against their fellow Hindu Kingdoms particularly Mysore Kingdom (present-day Karnataka) during which many towns were plundered, women abducted and raped and Hindu temples burnt and destroyed. Yet only Haidar Ali and Tipu’s attacks on Kerala are given as an example of their religious expansion.

Another fact that is overlooked is the social structure and hierarchy of Kerala both during the times of Haidar-Tipu as well as after their deaths was not a Hindu-Muslim or a Hindu-non-Hindu binary. A good indicator of that is the atrocities against the lowest of the Hindu castes (ati-Shudras) like Izuhuvas by those in the caste hierarchy above them, particularly the Nayars and Brahmins. In fact, some of the Hindu lower caste members were not considered Hindus and were classified as ‘animistic’. Mulakaram The Breast Tax and Woman Empowerment for UPSC IAS Exam

One of the best sources on this subject is L.K. Anantha Krishna Iyer whose preface in volume 1 of The Cochin Tribes and Castes (1909) reads thus:

“I was entrusted with the Ethnographical Survey of the Cochin State in 1902, and the work in connection with it had to be done without prejudice to my duties in the Ernakulam College, in which I was an assistant till very lately. My proposal to deal first with the purely Malayali Hindu and animistic castes of the State was accepted by the Government, and the investigation into the customs and manners of the local hill and jungle tribes and the lowest castes was made thereupon.”

“In July 1907, I was asked by the Diwan to revise these monographs and others then ready for publication in order that they might appear in a single volume with illustrations…The volume thus deals with all the Malayali and animistic castes, the members of which pollute the high caste-men at various distances, and cannot approach the outer walls of the temples of the higher castes.” Mulakaram The Breast Tax and Woman Empowerment for UPSC IAS Exam

Here are some documented oppression of the lowest castes by Nayars as listed by Iyer in his book:

The Izhuvans (volume 1, p339-340) Mulakaram The Breast Tax

Mulakaram Tax

Status:

  • ‘They were treated with contempt by the members of the higher castes, and were owned in a kind of servitude, mitigated to be sure when contrasted with the predial slaves.’
  • ‘If a Chogan or Izhuvan dare to pollute a Nair by approaching nearer than the prescribed distance, he was at liberty to cut him down. They are a people, despised by the higher castes, such as the Brahmans and the Nairs, who, whenever they required money, invariably looked to these classes, whence to obtain it.’
  • ‘They were not permitted to enter within a native court of justice as they might pollute the judges, who were members of the higher castes. The Nairs were their paid advocates in these courts of justice.’ Mulakaram The Breast Tax and Woman Empowerment for UPSC IAS Exam
  • ‘Their approach within thirty-six feet pollutes Brahmans, Kshatriyas, and high castes Sudras.’
  • ‘They cannot approach Brahman houses or temples, nor can they pass through Brahman villages in Palghat.’
  • ‘No member of any higher caste eats with them. They eat at the hands of all castes above them, but strictly abstain from taking the food of Kammalans, Valans, Arayans, and the members of other low castes.’
  • ‘They live in tharas (villages) of their own and are not allowed to take water from the wells of high caste-men. They have their washerman and barber.’ Mulakaram The Breast Tax

Dress:

  • ‘The males and females were not formerly permitted to wear an upper garment above the waist.’

Kadupattans (volume 2, p113) Mulakaram The Breast Tax

Social status: “As has been already said, they belong to the class of low caste Sudras. They pollute the high caste Nayars by touch and are allowed to enter only the outer enclosure of temples as far as the hali kallu (Sacrificial stone). However, today they are agitating for and bringing forward, their claims to be treated as high caste Nayars. They eat the food of the Brahmans, Ambalavasis and Nayars, but abstain from taking food from the rest of the low caste Sudras, and are also polluted by the touch of other low caste Sudras.”

Chaliyans (volume 2, p118) Mulakaram The Breast Tax

The following account of the Chaliyans is taken from the ‘Travels of Duarte Barbosa:

“There is another set of gentiles still lower, whom they call Chaliyana, who are weavers, and have no other business except to weave cloths of cotton, and some of silk, which are of little value, and are used by the common people. And these also have a sect and form of idolatry apart. Their lineage does not mix with any others; only the Nayars may have mistresses amongst the women of their people so that they do not enter their houses without bathing and changing their clothes whenever they have visited them. Many of these are sons of Nayars, and so they are very fine men in their figures, and they bear arms like the Nayars and go to wars and fight very well. In marriages, they have the law of the Nayars, and their sons do not inherit. Their wives have the power of doing what they please with themselves, with the Nayars, or with other weavers, and they cannot mix with any other lineage under pain of death.” Mulakaram The Breast Tax

Lower castes’ response to Nayar and Brahmin oppression

According to British authors, one way the lower castes fought back against Nayar and Brahmin oppression was to convert to Islam. In his introduction to volume two of Anantha Krishna Iyer’s Cochin Tribes and Castes (1912) Alfred C Haddon of Christ’s College, Cambridge, England writes (pXV):

“Another interesting community is that of the Mappillas who are described in the Census Report of 1871 as hybrid Muhammadans whose numbers are constantly increased by the conversion of the slave castes of Malabar, which conversion Mr. Logan says “has had a marked effect in freeing the slave caste in Malabar from their former burthens.” Mulakaram Woman Empowerment Rape Mulakaram The Breast Tax and Woman Empowerment for UPSC IAS Exam

And did the lower castes benefit by such conversions to Islam? Haddon continues his quoting of Logan “By conversion a Cheruman obtains a distinct rise in the social scale, and, if he is in consequence bullied or beaten, the whole Muhammedan community comes to his aid.” Mulakaram The Breast Tax

Bowring in his book Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan and the struggle with the Musalman powers of the South (1893) writes this: “… the western coast, where in former times women of the lower castes were forbidden to cover the upper part of the body in the presence of their superiors. It is related that the Queen of Attangadi ordered the breasts of a woman who had offended against this usage to be cut off.” Bowring adds Tipu passed an edict stopping this practise.

But a look at other sources regarding this and also the practise of polyandry reveals that these practises that seem a social evil today were widely practised and enforced in Kerala then, particularly by Nairs. Any attempt to disrupt the same by anyone must have come with huge consequences, as Mysorean armies particularly the ones under Tipu may have realised during their rule there. Mulakaram The Breast Tax and Woman Empowerment for UPSC IAS Exam

To this day, Tipu Sultan is paying the price of disturbing the status quo of Kerala’s caste hierarchy and for liberating Dalit women from its oppressive clutches. Mulakaram Woman Empowerment Rape. Mulakaram The Breast Tax

Further reading:

1) Iyer, L.K.Anantha Krishna The Cochin Tribes and Castes with illustrations, Higginbotham & Co, London, 1909 (in 4 volumes) (downloaded Oct. 29, 2018 URL)

2) Menon, Padmanabha K.P A History of Kerala written in the form of notes on Visscher’s letters from Malabar, 1924 (in 4 volumes) (downloaded Oct. 29, 2018 URL)

3) Dr. C.K. Abdul Kareem, Kerala under Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan, Paico Publishing House, 1973

4) Sayeed, Vikhar Ahmed Tipu in Malabar, Frontline, Jan. 05, 2018 (downloaded Oct. 29, 2018, URL)

This went on and on but then came Munroe the governor but he could also not stop this until all woman showed their empowerment this was it . Now because of these ladies who showed power and womanism, they all won and so did we. All ladies in Kerela now have the right to cover their upper parts not only that but also have dignity in integrity..i salute such women who hav given there everybit to make it a better future.. nowadays everyone is aware of Sushma Swaraj and Nirmala sitharaman what ladies there courageous acts are scathing attacks on opposition.Not only them but we have Indira Gandhiji and many more. Mulakaram The Breast Tax

Beti bachao beti padhao kiske liye Mulakaram The Breast Tax

Sorry to say but beti bachao ya beti humse bachao. This is not a glorious nation This is not the nation that we dream of why shall we save them just to get exploited raped tortured or trafficked ..this is what young girls end up in brothels, bars, etc but one thing which I would like to say when will this society change only having that attitude let it be she was not my daughter missing, kidnapped, abducted only having this impression but i have a q what if your sister, daughter gets raped then why would you want to become criminal and make sure your sister daughter gets justice ..recently we heard about an actress her casting couch Sri reddy who would go to the studio and would end up thrashing her life how miserable she wants justice she even dare to bare but what happened she blamed tortured and film fraternity banned her only because she was showing some courage some woman empowerment..and there are endless stories which do not have ends. I would like to say women’s empowerment is not just in women who r powerful but also a housewives can show by keeping the fighting spirit alive by not giving invitations to any kind of domestic violence but rather fighting for their rights. Mulakaram The Breast Tax

Historical Context

Mulakaram was a tax imposed on lower-caste women by the rulers of the princely state of Travancore in Kerala. Women from lower castes, particularly Dalits and other marginalized communities, were required to pay a tax for covering their breasts in public. Failure to pay this tax resulted in severe consequences, including humiliation, public shaming, and even violence.

Significance

The practice of Mulakaram highlights the deeply entrenched caste-based discrimination and oppression prevalent in Indian society, particularly against women from marginalized communities. It symbolizes the systemic exploitation and subjugation of women based on their caste and gender.

Abolition of Mulakaram

Reform Efforts

Mulakaram was abolished in 1924 following relentless efforts by social reformers and activists. Leaders like Ayyankali, Narayana Guru, and others played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights of lower-caste communities and challenging oppressive practices like the Breast Tax.

Impact

The abolition of Mulakaram marked a significant milestone in the fight for social justice and women’s rights in Kerala. It paved the way for greater awareness about caste-based discrimination and contributed to the empowerment of marginalized communities, especially women.

Women’s Empowerment in Kerala

Progressive Policies

Kerala has been at the forefront of promoting women’s empowerment through progressive policies and initiatives. The state boasts high literacy rates and gender parity in education, which has empowered women to actively participate in various spheres of life.

Political Representation

Kerala has witnessed significant strides in women’s political representation, with several women holding key positions in politics and governance. The state has a rich tradition of women leaders who have contributed to its social and economic development.

Economic Empowerment

Kerala’s emphasis on education and healthcare has enabled women to enter the workforce and contribute to the state’s economy. Women in Kerala enjoy better access to employment opportunities and have made significant strides in various sectors.

Relevance for UPSC IAS Exam

Historical Significance

Mulakaram and its abolition are essential topics for aspirants preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Questions related to social reform movements, women’s rights, and caste-based discrimination often feature in the exam, making it crucial for candidates to understand the historical context and significance of Mulakaram.

Socio-Economic Development

Understanding Kerala’s socio-economic development model, particularly its focus on education, healthcare, and gender equality, is essential for candidates appearing for the UPSC exam. Kerala’s success story serves as a valuable case study for analyzing policies aimed at women’s empowerment and social inclusion.

To further enhance the understanding of Mulakaram and its significance, it is crucial to examine the role of modern-day movements in continuing the fight for women’s rights. While the Breast Tax was abolished nearly a century ago, the echoes of such oppressive practices still resonate in society today. Kerala, a state that led the way in abolishing Mulakaram, continues to be a progressive force in the fight for women’s empowerment.

Modern initiatives, such as Kerala’s high literacy rates, gender parity in education, and strong political representation of women, build upon the foundation laid by the social reformers who fought against Mulakaram. Today, the state is a beacon of progress for women, where women are actively shaping policies, leading businesses, and breaking barriers across various sectors.

However, the fight for true equality is far from over. Issues like gender-based violence, wage disparity, and workplace harassment still persist. It is essential to continue challenging these societal norms and building on the legacy of the Mulakaram resistance, ensuring that women’s empowerment becomes not just a legal right but a lived reality for all women, especially those from marginalized communities. The battle for empowerment and equality must remain at the forefront of societal discourse, encouraging future generations to uphold the values of justice, dignity, and equality.

By addressing these challenges and recognizing the lessons from history, we can create a society where women are truly free to make their own choices and contribute to the nation’s growth and prosperity.

Conclusion

Mulakaram, or the Breast Tax, remains a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by women in India, particularly those from marginalized communities. Its abolition marked a significant victory for the women’s rights movement and contributed to the empowerment of women in Kerala. Aspirants preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination should delve deeper into this topic to understand its historical significance and relevance in contemporary India.

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