ABSTRACT
The South Asian society is a complex mix of ethnicity, religion and culture. The three thousand and more years of Hindu culture have periodically assimilated influences of such diverse religions as Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and, in pockets, tribal animism. The original Hindu tenet towards women is derived from the principles enunciated by the ancient law giver Manu ordaining women to remain subservient to men accepting male patronage through various stages of life. Since caste evolved as the concept of racial purity, women have been viewed as potential bearers of caste pollution. Thus, the ideas of chastity, control over women's sexuality, restrictions on female mobility and autonomy – all amount to guarding the gateways for a racially pure society.
