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“The Burgos Pope went down in history as the most debauched predators in the name of spiritual service. One wonders whether the Brahmins of India are any better than them.”
Time and again there have been enough discussions on how sexism and casteism are intertwined. However “Brahmanical Patriarchy” is an exclusive case whose roots date back to centuries. It is the patriarchy that opened ways for more revived forms of discrimination and cruelty against women. Any discrimination is a form of an exhibition of unearned privilege against the marginalized and in India Brahmins best describes that.
To understand Brahmanical patriarchy one must be aware of the ‘gifts’ bestowed upon the Brahmins by their revered Manu Smriti.
These are only very few gems from the script. Also, there are ample evidences in history that the Malabar Kings sent their newlywed wives to the priests for first night to deflower them as the fresh nuptials of a woman has to be a gift to God which can be accomplished only when a Brahmin enjoys her. The priests were even paid for that! Appalling isn’t it?
More shamefully, the Brahmins went on a spree proclaiming any woman of their choice to please them as and when required in the guise of “Service to God.”
Ambedkar states, “The Burgos Pope went down in history as the most debauched predators in the name of spiritual service. One wonders whether the Brahmins of India are any better than them.”
Sure, patriarchy is deep-rooted around the globe irrespective of class and castes. But in India, Brahmanism that triumphed over Buddhism, paved way for more injustice and assault against women who were climbing the social ladder under Buddhist regime.
One may argue that the gems from Manu Smriti cannot be held accountable now in the 21st century to spew venom against a community. But one should remember that the same community still benefits from the script as a result of prolonged prejudice against the marginalized and till now the community has never condemned any part of it. Also to be remembered is the fact that the Brahmins were the most opposing group when The Hindu code bill was constituted to improve the social status of women in India.
As much as Manu gave leeway to the Brahmins to wrong others, the Brahmins themselves went on a spree interpreting and executing more than what was in it. Which means the horrors committed by Brahmins are more than what was in the wicked script. Hence it becomes necessary the evil be uprooted which will eventually make its branches (other forms of patriarchy) wither away.
Brahmins annoyed by the term should reconsider what “Brahminism” actually stands for and hold themselves accountable instead of feigning ignorance which they usually do.
Image via Historyboard.in
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A new Gallup poll reveals that up to 40% of Indian women are angry compared to 27% of men. This is a change from 29% angry women and 28% angry men 10 years ago, in 2012.
Indian women are praised as ‘susheel’, virtuous and to be emulated when they are obedient, ready to serve others and when they put the wishes of others before their own. However, Indian women no longer seem content to be in the constrictive mould that the patriarchy has fashioned for them. A Gallup poll looked at the issue of women’s anger, their worry, stress, sadness and found that women consistently feel these emotions more than men, particularly in India.
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