Question

Why were Shanar women attacked by the upper caste Nairs in the southern princely state of Travancore ?

• A. For wearing a cloth across their upper bodies
• B. Due to suffrage movement
• C. For wearing ermine
• D. For wearing cockade

Answer 1

The correct option is A For wearing a cloth across their upper bodies

The Shanar women converts began to wear tailored blouses and clothes to cover themselves like the upper castes in 1820s. Complaints were filed in court against this dress change. but this did not prevent Shanar Christian women and even Shanar Hindus from adopting the blouse and upper cloth.
The abolition of slavery in Travancore in 1855 led to riots and attacks on the Shanar women by the upper castes. Their houses were looted and chapels burned, Finally, a proclamation was passed permitting the Shanar women to wear jackets, but not like the women of high caste.