Question

What issue arose with the Shanar women? How was it resolved?

Answer 1

Hint: In Travancore the practice of baring one's chest was a sign of respect that was shown to the upper caste people by both men and women of the lower caste. The lower caste women who wanted to cover the upper part of their bodies had to pay a breast tax to the government.

Complete step by step answer: In the state of Travancore, there were numerous restrictions that were imposed on the Shanar women , now referred to as the Nadars. The Shanars were the lower caste who had to bear their chests in front of the Nairs. The Nairs in turn had to do the same in the presence of a caste member who ranked higher than them. Since the Brahmins were the ones who ranked highest in the caste ladder, could only bare their chest in front of the deities.
Higher caste women could still cover their breasts in front of people higher than their own caste. But even this was forbidden for the Shanar women who had no right to cover their bosoms. In the 19th century many Shanars converted into Christianity due to the oppression they had to face because of their caste. The Shanar women campaigned vigorously in order to have the upper part of their body covered. Although the Dewan of Travancore did grant the permission, the Council of the Raja withdrew it with the argument that this would lead to caste pollution within the state.
Shanar women were inflicted to a lot of violence and they were being attacked everywhere. Schools and houses were being burned. The Nayar women attacked the Shanar women in the marketplace and tore their clothing which led to a 20 days riot. The Dewan warned the people of punishment if anyone decided to take the laws into their hands. The order was finally issued that Shanar women of every faith could cover their bodies as long as it did match the way the upper caste women did.

Note: The caste system is a derogatory system present in India which has created division and conflicts among the people. It is a system based on the caste into which one is born since birth and not based on merit. The castes are non changeable. The upper caste people exploit the lower caste people. The lower castes in India like the Dalits have been to face violence and discrimination in their everyday lives.