Breast Tax in South India and the story of Nangeli

The Breast Tax (Mulakkaram or mula-karam in Malayalam) was a tax imposed on the lower caste and untouchable Hindu women by the Kingdom of Tranvancore (in present-day Kerala state of India) if they wanted to cover their breasts in public, until 1924. The lower caste and untouchable women were expected to pay the government a tax on their breasts, as soon as they started developing breasts. The lower caste men had to pay a similar tax, called tala-karam, on their heads.^[6] Travancore tax collectors would visit every house to collect breast tax from any lower caste women who passed the age of puberty. The tax was evaluated by the tax collectors depending on the size of their breasts. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_Tax?

Nangeli: Woman Who Rebelled For Dignified Existence

It is no secret that women belonging to marginalized communities and scheduled caste were subjected to heinous discrimination until there was a collective reckoning post-independence. 

During the 19th century, women from oppressed caste had to pay 'Mula Karam' or breast tax for covering their breasts and the amount was determined by the size of their breasts.

Mainly the Nadar and Ezhava communities were not allowed to cover their chests in front of the privileged caste men. This is because clothes were regarded as a sign of ‘wealth’ and prosperity. Covering the chest was considered as an ‘immodest’ move by the oppressed caste before the rich and royalty. The members of the oppressed caste were burdened with many forms of taxes during this period. Brahmin and Nair communities thrived at the cost of the marginalized people. As per the records, despite the privilege, even Nair women were expected to be "modest" and not cover their chest in front of the Brahmin men. https://www.beyondpinkworld.com/