From protest to politics: How Tamil Nadu’s melthundu became an identity marker
A simple shoulder cloth, the melthundu, has a rich history in Tamil Nadu. It began as a gesture of respect, was later used to challenge caste norms, and became a symbol of equality. Dravidian leaders adopted it as part of their identity. Today, the melthundu is re-emerging as a political branding tool for upcoming elections.
A simple shoulder cloth, the melthundu, has a rich history in Tamil Nadu. It began as a gesture of respect, was later used to challenge caste norms, and became a symbol of equality. Dravidian leaders adopted it as part of their identity. Today, the melthundu is re-emerging as a political branding tool for upcoming elections.
