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purdah |
Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Wikipedia, Hutchinson | 0.04 sec. |
purdahSeclusion of women from public observation by means of concealing clothing (including the veil) and walled enclosures as well as screens and curtains within the home. The custom seems to have originated in Persia and was adopted by Muslims during the Arab conquest of what is now Iraq in the 7th century. The Muslim domination of northern India led to its adoption by the Hindu upper classes, but it was discarded by Hindus after the end of British rule in India. The custom of purdah still continues in many Islamic countries. purdah, purda 1. the custom in some Muslim and Hindu communities of keeping women in seclusion, with clothing that conceals them completely when they go out 2. a screen in a Hindu house used to keep the women out of view 3. a veil worn by Hindu women of high caste How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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By her account, many of the marriages turned out unfortunately, with the women disappearing into purdah, deferring to their husbands and mothers-in-laws, and losing their previous Anglo-Indian identities in new Pakistani ones. By the way, while we languish in purdah does this mean that we can stop cutting cheques for the ACC and other international confabs? The Indian word purdah refers to a screen used to separate men and women. |
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