The Breast Tax or Mulakaram.
I was completely shocked to know about this disgusting part of history.
Women in Kerala used to pay a whooping sum of tax to cover their breasts, Those who were unable to pay, they kept their upper body naked.
This tax was imposed on the Shudras and Dalit’s to show this class their ‘AUKAT’
The breast was bared as a symbol of respect to higher-status people only. A society where men even stare at the cleavage, these women faced the oppression with naked breasts.
Torn Self respect, deteriorated confidence and the noxious stares eating the very pieces of diligence everyday.
Even the women who covered their breasts were not spared, the officers used to come and examine the size and weight of the taxpayer women with their own hands, utter disgrace.
Later, A women named Nangeli protested against this law by cutting off her breasts and presenting them in front of the officer, she died of blood loss, which eventually resulted in mega protests.
Finally, the heel piece law was removed, but only at the cost of a sacrifice.
CREDITS: MULAKARAM (SHORT FILM)
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