Role of Ghunght (Veil) on the Life of Maithil Women
- Pradip Kumar MahatoDetails
Abstract
This paper is an outcome of a study undertaken in the Maithil community of Mahottari district addressing the practices of Ghunghat and changes occurred throughout the time (intergenerational) and across the space. Covering so-called upper caste and the Dalit as socioeconomic strata, women representing three generations - mother in-law, daughter in-law, and granddaughter in-law – from within a same family were purposively selected and a total of 180 women were surveyed. In-depth interviews, group discussions, informal conversations and observation were other methods of data collection. This paper argues that the honor of elders and respected persons, shyness with the strangers, pattern of socialization, belief that veiling/ghunghat protects the modesty and chastity of the women are the main causes behind these practices. Study findings reveal that majority of Maithil women expect complete removal of Ghunghat system to enhance their mobility and social participation