Breast Tax History in India (Untold History)

This inhuman tax, primarily imposed on lower-caste women, had far-reaching consequences for India's social fabric. We will investigate the origins, implementation, and eventual abolition of this heinous tradition.

What is Breast Tax in India?

The breast tax, also known as mulakkaram, was a 19th-century tax imposed on lower-caste women in the Indian state of Travancore. Women were required to pay the tax if their breasts were covered.

The tax was viewed as a means of discriminating against lower-caste women and perpetuating the caste system.

The Travancore maharajas, upper-caste Hindus, instituted the breast tax in the 17th century. Initially, the tax was imposed on all women, regardless of caste.

However, in the nineteenth century, the tax was changed to only apply to lower-caste women.

The breast tax was more than just a way for the Travancore maharajas to make money. It was also a method of humiliating and degrading lower-caste women. The tax served as a constant reminder of their social inferiority.

Breast Tax History in India

The Travancore maharajas, upper-caste Hindus, instituted the breast tax in the 17th century. Initially, the tax was imposed on all women, regardless of caste. However, in the nineteenth century, the tax was changed to only apply to lower-caste women.

The breast tax was more than just a way for the Travancore maharajas to make money. It was also a method of humiliating and degrading lower-caste women. The tax served as a constant reminder of their social inferiority.

The Travancore maharajas, upper-caste Hindus, instituted the breast tax in the 17th century. Initially, the tax was imposed on all women, regardless of caste. However, in the nineteenth century, the tax was changed to only apply to lower-caste women.

There are several theories as to why the Travancore maharajas imposed the breast tax. According to one theory, the tax was implemented to generate revenue for the state treasury.

Another theory is that the tax was imposed to preserve the caste system. The caste system is a social hierarchy that categorizes people based on their birth. The caste system places upper-caste Hindus at the top and lower-caste Hindus at the bottom. The breast tax served to remind lower-caste women of their social inferiority.

How the Breast Tax Worked

Tax collectors went door-to-door in villages to collect the breast tax. Tax collectors would examine women's breasts to ensure they were not covered. If a woman was caught covering her breasts, she would have to pay the tax.

Thanks to the efforts of a number of social reformers, the breast tax was finally repealed in 1859. Nangeli was a prominent social reformer who campaigned against the breast tax.

Nangeli was a woman of lower caste who refused to pay the breast tax. For refusing to pay the tax, she was arrested and imprisoned. Her story, however, helped to raise awareness of the injustice of the breast tax, eventually leading to its abolition.

Impact of the Breast Tax

The breast tax had a devastating effect on Travancore's lower-caste women. Many women were forced into debt as a result of the tax. To pay the tax, some women were even forced to sell their children.

The breast tax was also harmful to the health of lower-caste women. Many women were forced to expose their breasts to the elements, putting them at risk of illness and disease.

Conclusion

The breast tax serves as a reminder of how important it is to fight for equality and justice. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of social activism. The breast tax was eventually repealed as a result of the efforts of social reformers such as Nangeli. We can follow in their footsteps and fight for a more just and equitable society.