The practice of wearing veil came to India from Islam, which has become a part of our attire

Parda is an Islamic term

Parda is an Islamic word, which has come from the Persian language. Its Hindi meaning is ‘covering’. The roots of the Parda tradition, which came to India from Islam, are found in Persian culture. Muslim women wear burqa as a form of purdah, which is of two types. One in which the whole body is covered and the other in which only the upper part like hair and face is covered.

Hindu customs are increasing in India

According to information available on the internet, many practices that restricted women’s social activities and raising their voice already existed in ancient India and many places around the world. But after the arrival of Islam in India, many Hindu practices were intensified, with which the practice of veiling began. It is believed that the practice of purdah in India is a gift of Islam, which may have expanded in the 19th century, but its beginning is considered to be from the 12th century. (Photo courtesy: AI)

what does ancient india say

It is said that in the ancient Rigveda era, people were asked to meet the girl at the time of marriage. There is a mantra related to this in the Rigveda which says that ‘This girl is auspicious, gather together and see her, you people can go to your home only after blessing her.’ From this, it can be said that at that time, brides did not wear a veil, but used to go in front of everyone with open head. (Photo courtesy: AI)

Many arguments given for the veil

Today, the veil is an important part of our attire, which many people consider a hindrance to women’s freedom while some consider it a shield for their safety. According to the information given on the internet, some scholars at that time believed that this rule was made to protect women from harassment. Some people considered it a symbol of respect and dignity and even today it is believed in many places.

Changes after the 1900s

According to information, it is said that after the 1900s, women of the royal and elite class were the first to give up the practice of wearing a veil in public. After this, by the 1940s, this practice remained in only a few parts and today it is limited to only a few states or regions.

(This article is based on information given on the internet. NBT does not confirm its veracity and accuracy.)