The term “breast tax” in India refers to a poll tax called mulakkaram or mula-karam that was imposed on women belonging to Nadar, Ezhava, and other lower caste communities in the erstwhile Kingdom of Travancore (in present-day Kerala state of India). It was not applicable to upper caste women.
There is some debate about the exact nature of the tax and whether it was specifically linked to the act of covering one’s breasts. Some historians argue that the term “breast tax” is a mistranslation and that the tax was simply a head tax levied on lower caste women, similar to the talakkaram (head tax) or meeshakkaram (moustache tax) levied on lower caste men.
However, others maintain that the tax was indeed intended to discourage lower caste women from covering their breasts, which was seen as a privilege reserved for upper caste women. This practice of enforced upper-body nudity for lower caste women was linked to caste hierarchy and notions of purity and pollution.
The most famous story associated with the breast tax is that of Nangeli, a lower caste woman who is said to have cut off her own breasts in protest of the tax. The story is not officially recognized in historical accounts, but it is widely recounted in Kerala folklore and serves as a powerful symbol of resistance against caste oppression and gender discrimination.
Here are some additional points to consider:
- The historical accuracy of the Nangeli story is disputed, but it remains an important cultural symbol.
- The breast tax was part of a larger system of caste-based discrimination and oppression.
- The legacy of the breast tax is a reminder of the importance of fighting against caste and gender discrimination.
Arguments against the “breast tax” label:
- Historians like Manu S. Pillai argue that the term “breast tax” is a misnomer. They point out that it was simply a poll tax applicable to both men and women, with different names: talakkaram for men and mulakkaram for women.
- Social customs of the time dictated that lower-caste women were not allowed to wear upper garments in public until 1859. Therefore, the tax was not specifically tied to covering breasts.
- Focus on caste discrimination: Scholars emphasize that the tax was primarily a tool for enforcing caste hierarchy and economic discrimination against lower castes, not about controlling women’s bodies.
The “breast tax” was abolished in 1859, but its legacy continues to be debated and commemorated. The story of Nangeli serves as a reminder of the historical injustices faced by lower castes in India and the ongoing struggle for equality.
It’s important to approach the topic of the “breast tax” with a critical eye, recognizing the complexities of history and the ongoing debate among scholars. While the term itself might be inaccurate, the story highlights the broader issue of caste discrimination and the fight for social justice in India.
Here are some additional resources you might find helpful:
- Wikipedia article on the “breast tax”: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_tax
- BBC article on the story of Nangeli: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyjojnnhMoI
- The Wire article on the debate about the “breast tax”: https://mediaindia.eu/news-india-you/the-breast-tax-of-travancore-kingdom-2/