Nangeli

Nangeli was a Ezhava woman who lived in the early 19th century at Cherthala in the erstwhile princely state of Travancore in India. She questioned the mulakkaram (breast tax) system that existed during that time, by which women of lower caste were required to pay a tax to cover their bosom in public. She refused to either uncover her bosom or pay the breast tax. When the pravathiyar (village officer) of Travancore asked her to pay tax, she chopped off her breasts and presented them in a plantain leaf to him. She died the same day due to loss of blood.

Also indicating protest of the breast tax, her husband jumped into her funeral pyre, committing suicide. Following the death of Nangeli, the breast tax system was annulled in Travancore. The place she lived came to be known later as Mulachiparambu (meaning land of the breasted woman).

Film

Novelist Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai's grandson Raj Nair announced a Malayalam movie Mulachi (meaning breasted woman) based on Nangeli's story. It was reported that he was in talks with Angelina Jolie to do the lead role in the movie.

Art

Kerala Artist Murali T known as Chithrakaran Murali, painted a series of work based on the story of Nangeli. He did a grant research about the history and struggle of Nangeli. His efforts have been recognized by BBC, Times of India and few other noted News Print media.

See also

• Channar revolt
• Kannagi