Understanding the Breast Tax: A Historical Perspective

The Breast Tax: Synopsis and FAQs

The Breast Tax is a term associated with a caste-based practice that emerged in the princely state of Travancore (now part of Kerala, India) during the early 19th century. Local legends indicate that lower-caste women, particularly the Nadars and Ezhavas, were forbidden from covering their breasts in public, a measure designed to visibly mark their lower social status. The "breast tax" (mulakkaram) was reportedly levied on these women if they chose to cover their breasts, symbolizing their struggle for dignity and equality.

Central to this narrative is the legend of Nangeli, a woman from Cherthala in Travancore. She is said to have protested against the oppressive tax by cutting off her breasts and presenting them to the tax collector, ultimately succumbing to blood loss. This act of defiance is remembered as a symbol of resistance against the caste-based oppression prevalent at the time. However, the authenticity of this narrative has been debated by some historians, who suggest that the tale of the breast tax has been misinterpreted over the years.

FAQs

• What was the breast tax, and why was it imposed? The breast tax (mulakkaram) was a caste-based tax imposed on lower-caste women in Travancore if they covered their breasts in public. This tax aimed to maintain visible distinctions between lower and upper castes, ensuring that lower-caste women remained bare-chested as part of a broader system of caste oppression, where the denial of clothing rights was a method of marking social status.
• Who was Nangeli, and what role did she play in resisting the breast tax? Nangeli is a legendary figure from Cherthala, Travancore, who protested against the breast tax in the early 19th century. According to the legend, she cut off her breasts and presented them to the tax collector as an act of defiance. Nangeli's tragic death from blood loss transformed her story into a powerful symbol of resistance against caste oppression and the fight for dignity.
• Was the breast tax a widespread practice, and what historical evidence supports it? The existence of the breast tax is a subject of debate among historians. While local legends and oral histories suggest such a tax existed, there is limited documented historical evidence to confirm it as an official policy. Some historians, including Manu Pillai, argue that the term "breast tax" may be a misnomer, relating more to a broader system of oppressive taxation on lower-caste communities rather than a specific tax on women's clothing.
• How did the practice of prohibiting lower-caste women from covering their breasts come to an end? The prohibition on lower-caste women covering their breasts gradually ceased following a series of social reform movements in Kerala, such as the Channar Revolt (1813–1859), in which the Nadar women fought for their right to wear upper-body garments. In 1859, a proclamation by the Travancore government allowed Nadar women to cover their breasts, albeit with restrictions.
• What was the impact of British colonialism on clothing and morality in Kerala? British colonialism introduced Victorian standards of morality to Kerala, impacting the region's attitudes toward clothing and modesty. While caste-based restrictions on clothing existed prior to British rule, colonial officials and Christian missionaries often supported the right of lower-caste people to dress modestly, challenging traditional caste norms.
• Why do some historians, like Manu Pillai, argue that the breast tax legend is a misinterpretation? Historian Manu Pillai contends that the term "breast tax" is a misnomer and that the legend has been misunderstood over time. He suggests that the story likely stems from a broader taxation system imposed on lower-caste communities rather than a specific tax on women's breasts. Additionally, he points out that covering the breasts was not culturally normative in Kerala's matrilineal society at the time.
• How is Nangeli's story viewed in modern Kerala? The narrative of Nangeli has attracted renewed attention as a symbol of resistance against caste oppression and patriarchal control. In 2016, artist Murali T's paintings of Nangeli, alongside coverage by BBC journalist Divya Arya, brought her story to a wider audience. While the historical accuracy of the legend is debated, Nangeli is revered as a martyr who fought for dignity and equality, particularly for marginalized women.
• What was the Channar Revolt, and how is it connected to the breast tax? The Channar Revolt (1813–1859) involved protests by Nadar women in Travancore, who fought for the right to wear upper-body clothing, which was denied to them due to caste-based restrictions. Though the revolt is not directly connected to the breast tax, both struggles are part of the broader fight for social and clothing rights for marginalized communities in the region.
• How does the breast tax legend reflect broader issues of caste and gender in Indian history? The legend of the breast tax underscores the intersection of caste and gender oppression in Indian history. Lower-caste women faced both caste-based discrimination and gender control over their bodies