LOCATING THE INFLUENCE OF EDUCATION ON WOMEN'S DRESSING AND EMPOWERMENT IN INDIA: A CASE STUDY OF THE NINETEENTH-CENTURY BENGAL

Abstract

Purdah was a religious and social practice prevalent in Indian society. Purdah, a practice followed by Hindu and Muslim communities, held immense significance in Indian society. It emphasized the importance of female modesty and chastity. As protecting a woman's honor became a marker of a family's prestige and authority, purdah became increasingly significant in nineteenth-century India. With women's increased access to education and subsequent engagement with the wider world, the need to reform women's attire became increasingly crucial. This study underscores the pivotal role education plays in transforming women's fashion and promoting a more progressive and inclusive society.