How Does a Woman Wear a Sari?

Traditional Way of Wearing a Sari

It is to nobody’s surprise that the British colonial rule in India completely reshaped the country we see today. Colonial rule led to violence, fights for freedom, stolen goods, land, and precious minerals, and destroyed hundreds of thousands of lives. Women under this rule were affected as well, with British administrators claiming they were civilising and teaching Indian women. In reality, these changes and policies reduced their agency and used gender as a tool of domination. 

Before the British colonised India, many women worked in agriculture and local markets. However, the economic policies incorporated by the British caused many of these women to lose their jobs. Since many imported British goods replaced local production, these jobs were not needed anymore, and hence the women lost their livelihoods. The policing of women’s bodies increased as well, and laws began to target sex workers and widows. Victorian mindsets and morality took precedence over the freedom of Indian women.

Apart from economic and social effects, colonial rule heavily affected women culturally. Indian practices and traditions were seen as ‘backward’ and called ‘uncivilised’. Victorian modesty standards were applied to the country, which meant that traditional bare-chested sari draping (a common practice across multiple regions at the time) was considered improper. Women without a blouse were mocked and punished or refused entry to colonial areas. They were pressured to use blouses and petticoats in order to be considered respectable. 

Even today, the effects of the colonial rule can be seen, as it reinforced patriarchal systems. In Indian societies, women must cover up and be modest Most women typically do not enter the workforce and instead become caretakers. Although that mindset is changing day by day, it is without a doubt that those patriarchal beliefs stemmed from the British colonial rule.