prasad1
Active member
The thaali (mangalasutra or the sacred thread tied by grooms around the bride’s neck) was not referred to as a symbol of marriage in ancient Tamil literature. The great epic Silappadhikaram describes the marriage of Kovalan and Kannagi, which was a simple ceremony without a thaali. Sanskrit epics also tell the stories of princes, and none of them tied a thaali in any swayamvaram. So the thaali is not a symbol of the ancient culture of Tamils or of Hindus.
So, in no way is the present-day ceremony of tying a thaali connected to Tamil culture. Even if it is proved to be of Tamil heritage, wearing any cultural symbol reflects an individual’s decision. This cannot be forced on anyone. Our dress code today, for instance, was not there 100 years ago. If anybody wants to follow it, he or she has every right to, but no one can force force or criticise a person who does not want to wear it.
If it is argued that the thaali is part of Hindu culture, it can be asked which scripture in Hinduism made it mandatory for marriage and whether it has a binding effect on all sections and schools of Hindu religion. Who made the thaali or mangalasutra sacred? Who associated honour, pride and dignity with this rope, to be tied to the Hindu woman who was likely to be treated badly anyway and prevented from making public appearances after her husband’s death?
Why should a woman wear this symbol and bear social ignominy when it is removed in the most cruel manner after her husband’s death?
Whose culture is it? - The Hindu
I do not agree with the rest of the article and it also refers to a name that BARRED from this site.