CASTE SYSTEM: Once a woman’s husband has died...

 

CASTE SYSTEM: Once a woman’s husband has died... 

Source : " Pandita Ramabai ".

In her book, Stripurushtulna, Tarabai Shinde wrote: Isn’t a woman’s life as dear to her as yours is to you? It’s as if women are meant to be made of something different from men altogether, made from dust from earth or rock or rusted iron whereas you and your lives are made from the purest gold.

… You’re asking me what I mean. I mean once a woman’s husband has died, … what’s in store for her? 

The barber comes to shave all the curls and hair off her head, just to cool your eyes. …

She is shut out from going to weddings, receptions and other auspicious occasions

that married women go to. And why all these restrictions? Because her husband has died. 

She is unlucky: ill fate is written on her forehead. Her face is not to be seen, it’s a bad omen.

~ Tarabai Shinde, Stripurushtulna