Nangeli lived in the early 19th century   in Travancore, India and who belonged to a lower cast family that could not afford to pay their township’s taxes—particularly that of the mulakkaram (breast tax) system which existed during that time. The mulakkaram required women of  lower caste system to PAY A TAX TO COVER THEIR BREASTS IN PUBLIC. She refused to uncover herself and pay the breast tax.

Nangeli outright refused to uncover her bosom when demanded of her. When the village officer came to collect dues, Nangeli bravely cut off her breasts, presenting them in a banana leaf.  Nangeli dies that same day due to blood loss but her actions spread quickly across the country.

In further protest, Nangeli’s husband jumped into her pyre, committing suicide—the first recorded instance of a man committing sati instead of a woman.

The crown ultimately annulled the breast tax in Travancore as a result of Nangeli’s self-mulation and defiance. In her honor, Travancore where she lived came to be known as Mulachiparambu (meaning Land of the Breasted Woman).

Reportedly Angelina Jolie is in talks to play Nangeli in an upcoming film.

Today remember Nangeli for standing up against discrimination, gender bias, and the overt sexualization of women. Spread her story, tell her tale, and fight against the laws that discriminate.

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