Indian social taboos
Like any other society, social taboos are pervasive. Enmeshed with its diversity and a rich cultural heritage Indian social taboos can be challenging to understand. Here are some examples of Indian social taboos:
Inter-caste marriages: In India, marrying outside one’s caste is still considered a taboo in many communities. While there have been efforts to eradicate this practice, inter-caste marriages are still frowned upon and can lead to social ostracism, harassment, and even violence.
Dowry: Dowry is a practice where a bride’s family is expected to give gifts or money to the groom’s family as a condition of marriage. While dowry is illegal in India, it is still prevalent in some communities, and women who do not bring sufficient dowry may be subjected to domestic violence or even killed.
Menstruation: As mentioned earlier, menstruation is still considered a taboo in India. Women who are menstruating may be prohibited from entering temples or other religious places, or may be expected to stay in separate rooms during their periods.
Homosexuality: Homosexuality is still considered taboo in India, and homosexuality was criminalized until 2018. While the law has changed, there is still a stigma attached to homosexuality in many communities, and individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ may face discrimination, harassment, and violence.
Mental illness: Mental illness is still stigmatized in India, and those who suffer from it may be ostracized or denied access to treatment or support. This can lead to further isolation and suffering and can even be life-threatening in some cases.
Divorce: Divorce is still considered a taboo in India, especially for women. Women who seek divorce may be stigmatized and may face social ostracism, harassment, and even violence.
In conclusion, India has its own set of social taboos that can be challenging to understand. These include inter-caste marriages, dowry, menstruation, homosexuality, mental illness, and divorce. While there have been efforts to eradicate these practices, collective conscience trumps and they are still prevalent in many communities, and it is important for society to recognize and challenge these taboos in order to promote greater acceptance, understanding, and compassion for all.
