ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes contemporary gender relations, focusing on violence against the female body. It focuses on the city of Delhi and its surrounding region, and is based on media reports, the ongoing anthropological research, and although anecdotal, the personal experiences as a Delhi-born woman and lifelong resident. Delhi is a city that has witnessed violence and political turmoil for centuries. The history suggests that violence is routinely played out during such times, and despite norms regarding their personal and sexual safety, women were its likely victims. Most caste-based occupations also had a gender-based division of labor that allowed women of these castes to move around in the public space of the city. The streets in India are negotiated by each person, placing himself or herself in relation to others, and in turn, being evaluated by appearance, age, gender, and other social markings that indicate caste, class, and social personhood.
