The Moslem's introduced the Purdah system in India. This meant seclusion of women in their homes or the harem. They were not allowed to venture out and generally lived a life subservient to man. With advent of the British after Robert Clive’s victory at Plessey in 1757, the wheels began to churn in a different direction. The British enforced a common law and abolished a lot of nefarious practices like Sat, widow re- marriage, Child marriage and age old customs that discriminated against women. A breath of fresh air began to blow.
The Raj, the period of British rule was an opportunity for Indian women to come forward. After India became free in 1947 the marriage law for Hindus was also reformed and women began to come forward at the work place and sports. Over a period of time a lot of women have also taken to swimming. By corollary the swim suit is no longer taboo.
But still the Indian male keeps the Indian women on a leash and has as yet not reconciled to the fact that a woman is equal to man in all respects. Thus when visiting a public beach, most women will be seen loitering about in a sari or other covered dresses. Hardly any women can be seen wearing a swim costume; however this taboo of wearing a bikini is also going down. But still a lot many women may not have the courage to venture in a public beach like at Juhu in a bikini. But in private swimming pools and five star hotels Indian girls will don the Bikini. It is a statement of identity and hopefully this will catch on in the years to come.
However with the advent of beauty contests and the winning of beauty titles by Indian girls, this taboo of wearing a bikini is also going down. But still a lot many women may not have the courage to venture in a public beach like at Juhu in a bikini. But in private swimming pools and five star hotels Indian girls will don the Bikini. It is a statement of identity and hopefully this will catch on in the years to come.
However with the advent of beauty contests and the winning of beauty titles by Indian girls, this taboo of wearing a bikini is also going down. But still a lot many women may not have the courage to venture in a public beach like at Juhu in a bikini. But in private swimming pools and five star hotels Indian girls will don the Bikini. It is a statement of identity and hopefully this will catch on in the years to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment