History serves as a bridge connecting us to our roots, yet it is often distorted to serve political and ideological agendas. One such tale is that of Nangeli, an Ezhava woman from Travancore, who is said to have cut off her breasts to protest a so-called “breast tax.” This narrative, popularised in recent years, particularly after a 2016 BBC article, has been romanticised as a symbol of caste-based exploitation. However, historical evidence, scientific reasoning, and logical analysis reveal this to be a fabricated story aimed at ridiculing Bharat’s societal structure and creating divisions within its communities.
Scientific and Logical Impossibility
From a scientific perspective, the act described in the Nangeli story defies human physiology and logic. Cutting off a part of one’s body, especially the breasts, would result in massive blood loss, intense pain, and shock, making it nearly impossible to continue with such an act. Severing one breast would lead to haemorrhagic shock within minutes, leaving no strength or ability to inflict the same injury on the other breast.
Furthermore, self-inflicted injuries of such severity are incredibly rare and would require an extreme level of physical and psychological endurance, which is difficult to imagine under normal circumstances. The lack of any verified medical or historical records documenting such an act further casts doubt on the tale’s authenticity.
Historical Context: The Myth of the “Breast Tax”
The term mulakkaram or “breast tax” has been grossly misinterpreted. Historian Manu S. Pillai clarifies that mulakkaram was a poll tax levied on women of lower castes, much like talakkaram, a similar tax imposed on men. The name did not refer to breasts or their size but was simply a term distinguishing female taxpayers from male taxpayers. The idea that the tax was based on the size or attractiveness of breasts is a sensationalised and fabricated interpretation with no basis in historical records.
At the time, covering breasts was not a societal norm in Kerala. In Bharat’s cultural ethos, breasts symbolised motherhood and fertility, not sexuality. Victorian morality, introduced by European colonialists, imposed the notion that uncovered breasts were immoral or indicative of oppression. This colonial influence has distorted perceptions of Bharat’s cultural practices, making them appear exploitative when, in fact, they reflected societal norms of the time.
The BBC’s Role in Popularising the Myth
The Nangeli story gained prominence after a 2016 article by the BBC, which presented it as a historical fact. However, the article lacked any credible historical evidence or documentation to support its claims. This is a classic example of how media narratives can manipulate public perception by presenting myths as truths. The BBC and other platforms have often focused on cherry-picking and sensationalising stories that paint Bharat’s societal structure in a negative light, ignoring the complexities and strengths of its cultural and historical context.
By amplifying such unverified tales, these narratives aim to degrade Bharat’s social fabric and foster divisions within the Hindu community, particularly along caste lines. The story of Nangeli has become a tool to perpetuate the myth that Bharat’s societal norms were inherently oppressive, overlooking the role of power and wealth in historical hierarchies.
Caste vs Power: The Real Issue
While caste-based discrimination did exist and remains an issue in some parts of society, it is important to recognise that power dynamics often transcended caste boundaries. Those with social, economic, or political power exploited others, irrespective of caste. The real issue lies in the concentration of power, not merely in caste identity.
By focusing solely on caste, fabricated narratives like Nangeli’s obscure the broader reality of exploitation and injustice. They divert attention from the true struggles for equality and justice, creating divisions instead of fostering unity.
Luxury Tax, Not Exploitation
The so-called “breast tax” can be more accurately understood as a form of luxury tax. During that era, wearing a blouse was considered a luxury that only affluent women could afford. Taxes on such luxuries were not unique to women or to Travancore; they were part of a broader taxation system targeting visible markers of wealth.
The cultural practice of leaving breasts uncovered was rooted in Bharat’s traditions, where breasts symbolised nurturing and motherhood. This practice was neither oppressive nor exploitative but reflected the norms of the time. The sexualisation of breasts, driven by Mughal and European influences, altered these perceptions, leading to modern misunderstandings.
Think Before You Believe
The Nangeli tale, when examined critically, reveals itself as a manufactured story designed to perpetuate caste-based narratives and divide Bharat’s society. Blindly accepting such stories without questioning their authenticity risks reinforcing stereotypes and undermining the unity of Bharat’s diverse communities.
Who benefits from promoting such narratives? The answer lies in the divisive agendas of those who seek to manipulate history for political or ideological gains. Instead of succumbing to such myths, it is crucial to focus on addressing real social injustices with unity and understanding.
The story of Nangeli is not just a romanticised tale but a fabricated narrative aimed at distorting Bharat’s cultural and historical legacy. The so-called “breast tax” was neither about caste-based oppression nor about breasts; it was a luxury tax misunderstood and misrepresented over time. By critically analysing such tales, we can uncover the truth and preserve Bharat’s essence of unity in diversity. Let us rise above divisive myths and work together to address real issues with clarity and compassion.
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Author’s Note
Caste is not something to be ashamed of, nor is it a measure of superiority or inferiority. Every individual has the responsibility to uphold and share their caste’s culture, traditions, and heritage with pride and respect. The danger lies not in others thinking we are inferior, but in believing it ourselves. We must honour our parents, ancestors, Gotras, and Kulas, and take pride in our identity. Let us remember that the concept of caste, as used to divide us, was imposed by outsiders. Instead of letting it weaken us, we must celebrate our diversity and use it to strengthen the unity of Bharat.