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Question
Who were the Shanars? What happened to Shanar women when they defied the local customs?
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Solution
(i) The Shanars also known as Nadars were a community of toddy tappers who migrated to southern Travancore to work under Nair landlords. They were considered a subordinate caste and were prohibited from using umbrellas and wearing shoes or golden ornaments. Men and women were also expected to follow the local custom of never covering their upper bodies before the upper castes.
(ii) In the 1820s, under the influence of Christian missions, Shanar women converts began to wear tailored blouse and clothes to cover themselves like the upper castes.
(iii) Their action provoked Nairs, who were considered upper caste. They attacked these women in public places and tore off their upper clothes.
(ii) In the 1820s, under the influence of Christian missions, Shanar women converts began to wear tailored blouse and clothes to cover themselves like the upper castes.
(iii) Their action provoked Nairs, who were considered upper caste. They attacked these women in public places and tore off their upper clothes.
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