The story of Nangeli’s sacrifice

Swapna

The story of Nangeli’s sacrifice

The Kerala we know today for its high educational rates, mesmerizing landscapes, and tasty spices is so different from the Kerala that existed a few centuries back, with caste issues and partiality. It was a time when some particular communities were deprived of their basic needs. Many personalities have contributed to its reformation. One such name was Nangeli, a woman who single-handedly abolished the horrific system of breast tax.

Nangeli, the woman who cut her breasts; Image source: The Hindu

This story revolves around a woman, Nangeli, born during the 19th century in a presumptuous, socially backward Ezhava community. Growing up in a society where her family was treated like slaves, affected her in various ways. She was a rebellious child but was often suppressed by her parents, who feared the king and the so-called upper-class people.

During India's chaotic period, when Britishers nearly invaded most of Hindustan, some princely states were not completely under their grasp. One such place was Travancore, presently known as Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. Despite being partially free from the wily British, the village was tightly bound by an irrational and conservative caste system. The difference in caste in Travancore was not only problematic but vulgar, gross, and obnoxious.

The arrogant upper class imposed numerous restrictions on the lower class, making life increasingly difficult for them with each passing day. But the rule requiring these lower-class women to wear clothes from their waists and expose their upper body parts, including their breasts, pushed geotechnics to its limit. Nangeli grew up in Cherthala, obeying these laws, but every time she stepped outside and caught the gaze of hundreds of vulgar men awkwardly staring at her nude body, it ignited the fire inside her.

When the village head arrived the next day to collect the tax, Nangeli locked herself inside her room. She came out with a banana leaf on which she kept her breasts that she had chopped off. But sadly, she died within five minutes due to excessive blood loss. Her husband was deeply affected by her death and gave his life by jumping into her funeral, thus becoming the first example of a man committing Sati.

Nangeli's valor, bathed in blood, could only have lasted a few moments. Her sacrifice, however, pierced the caste-based system like a sword. Her contribution was not forgotten, and the breast tax was abolished a few years after her death. Because of her bravery, she became an inspiration to hundreds of young girls. Her bravery, however, was never honored in history for a variety of unknown reasons.

After Nangeli married Chirukandan, her personal life became pleasing and perfect, as her husband was full of love for her. But things were still the same for every woman, including her. As time passed, the humiliation grew worse, and their difficulties were exacerbated by the breast tax system. The lower-class people who work day and night to earn themselves any money were incapable of paying such a huge tax. The days were no less than nightmares when the women were subjected to being eye candies with exposed breasts.

In addition to adhering to the half-naked regulation, lower-class women were required to pay a breast tax based on their breast sizes. The upper class knew these people couldn't pay their taxes, but their only goal was to humiliate them and remind them of how sinful they were to be born into such a community.

Nangeli's inner rebellion continued to rise as she was done with these sufferings. She declared to her husband that he would defy the rule and cover her entire body without paying the tax, regardless of how the people reacted. She continued her revolt and covered her body without listening to the upper classes, but this brought her into great trouble. The village head continued to bang on her door, demanding the breast tax she was bound to pay for covering her breasts. Irritated by this constant interference, she agreed to pay it.