Episode 1: Taxation On Breasts

Back in the Days: Unearthing the Untold Stories of Women

Welcome, history buffs and curious minds, to the very first episode of Back in the Days! I'm your host, Pubali Sen, and I'm absolutely thrilled to have you join me on this journey through the hidden corners of history, where we'll unearth the untold stories of women who defied expectations, challenged norms, and left their mark on the world.
And what better way to kick off this adventure than with a story that's both shocking and inspiring, a tale of resistance and resilience that continues to resonate even today. Today, we're diving deep into the history of the "Breast Tax" in India, a discriminatory practice that targeted women based on their bodies and ignited a fire of rebellion in their hearts.
Imagine, if you will, 19th century Travancore, a kingdom in southern India. Under the rule of the Kingdom of Travancore, lower-caste women were not allowed to cover their breasts. This wasn't about modesty; it was about power and control. The upper-caste elites imposed a tax on women from lower castes based on the size of their breasts. Can you imagine such a thing? A tax on a woman's body, a fundamental part of her being?
This wasn't just a financial burden; it was a deep humiliation, a constant reminder of their lower social status. But these women, they weren't going to take it lying down. They rose up in protest, their voices echoing through the hills and valleys of Travancore.
One name stands out in this struggle: Nangeli, a brave woman from the Ezhava caste. Legend has it that when the tax collector came to her door, she refused to pay. Instead, in a powerful act of defiance, she cut off her own breasts and presented them to him on a banana leaf. She died from blood loss, but her sacrifice ignited a firestorm of protest.
Nangeli's story, whether entirely accurate or embellished over time, became a symbol of resistance against oppression. It speaks volumes about the courage and determination of women who, even in the face of unimaginable injustice, refused to be silenced.
Now, some historians argue about the specifics of Nangeli's story. Was her death a direct result of the tax, or were there other factors at play? But for me, the core message remains powerful: women resisted this dehumanizing tax. They organized, they protested, and they ultimately forced the kingdom to abolish this discriminatory practice.
But here's what really intrigues me. Why breasts? Why were women's bodies, specifically their breasts, targeted for taxation? Was it purely about economic gain, or was there something deeper, something more sinister at play?
I believe it was about control, about maintaining the existing social hierarchy. By taxing women's bodies, the ruling class asserted their dominance, reminding lower-caste women of their place in society. It was a way to keep them oppressed, to limit their freedom and agency.
And this isn't just a story about the past. Sadly, the objectification and control of women's bodies continue to be a reality in many parts of the world today. We see it in dress codes that disproportionately target women, in laws that restrict reproductive rights, and in the persistent violence and discrimination that women face on a daily basis.
But just like the women of Travancore, women today are fighting back. They're demanding bodily autonomy, challenging societal norms, and creating a world where their bodies and their choices are respected.
The story of the Breast Tax and Nangeli's sacrifice is a stark reminder of the injustices women have faced throughout history. But it's also a testament to their incredible strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit. It's a story that needs to be told, a history that needs to be remembered. However this story of Nangeli, the woman who defied this discriminatory tax, still sends chills down my spine. But as I dug deeper into this s