When it comes to religion, the two major religious groups in India, fight and shed each other's blood like running water but when it is a question, or rather direction, that how women should dress and behave in the society, suddenly, keeping aside all their difference in opinion, faith and habits, their minds start working in the same direction. A typical example of their "similarity" in opinion is the Purdah system.
HISTORY
Started during the Mughal rule in India, Purdah system was adopted by the Muslims in order to protect their women from being seen by other men in the society. Later it was adopted by the Rajput clans for the same reason. Since that very point in history, purdah system has been prevailing in India, but the question is: is it a form of protection or an oppression?
In this patriarchal society, people consider women as a second class citizen or rather an object right from the ancient times. The reasons for Purdah in the ancient time can still be justified to an extent but living in the 21st century and following a malpractice in the name of tradition is nothing but just another tool to oppress women in society.
MEANING
Some view purdah as a symbol of honor, respect and dignity. But in my opinion it is just another way to restrict women's mobility which results into their social and physical isolation. In both the cultures, women are told to do Purdah in the presence of male members. While doing so, they cannot make an eye contact, they have to look down, which clearly symbolizes women are inferior to men. In the scorching heat women have to cover themselves from head to toe, in the name of Purdah. In many parts of India, young girls wear a Hijab on the way to school. In a very tender age itself, people make sure that this malpractice is carry forward by means of these young girls, as their "tradition".
Tradition-the word is derived from a Latin word traderer which means to transmit, to handover, to give for safekeeping. The traditions like this is nothing but a malpractice and in my views women themselves should understand and take a step forward to initiate a change. Time has changed, world has changed and so should we!!
