Travelling is not just a hobby; it’s an essential human need. We have to travel every once in a while to feel rejuvenated, to charge up those dying brain cells, to get a break from our daily life and day to day routine and the list goes on and on. Travelling is fun but it can also be expensive. Exploring mountains, sunbath at a beach can feel amazing but can also be a little expensive. Travelling within one’s own country would mean lower costs and is the sensible thing to do when you haven’t explored your own country and that’s why I’m going to give you 5 reasons if you are an Indian, why you should explore India before you leave for the adventure to explore foreign lands:

1. Topography and Wildlife

For all Nature lovers, India has a huge diversity of landscapes. From Mountains to Hills to Desserts to Beaches, in India, you can get them all. India has a rich Biodiversity and it never fails to surprise you when it comes to Flora & Fauna. Indian wild forests and national parks are home to many species of wild animals, birds and reptiles. More than 25% land of Indian states are covered with dense forest and provide shelter to the wildlife. You can find some of the rarest animals in India like The royal Bengal tiger, Asiatic Elephant, Great Indian Rhino, The Asiatic Lion, Indian Leopard, Indian Gharial, Blackbuck, etc. India is an attraction for all the passionate bird watchers and wildlife photographers you’ll find birds like The Himalayan Monal, The Fire-tailed myzornis, The oriental dwarf Kingfisher, The Indian Peacock, The Indian Pitta, etc here only in India.

2. Food

Food is a good enough reason why you should travel and explore India. The taste, colour, spices of the food changes every 1000kms in India. Every state has its specialities and mouth-watering food delicacies. Nothing can compete with Indian food whether it be street food or Royal Mughlai cuisines whose recipes were passed down from generation to generation in the royal families. There is a reason that India is a leading manufacturer of spices and exports them all around the world. You can go anywhere in the world, the most developed and beautiful countries in the world but you won’t find the amazing taste that India has to offer. Even the comedian Vir Das agrees on the quality of food and said: “Once you go brown the other colours let you down”.

3. Accessibility

One of the biggest benefits of travelling in India is cheap and affordable transport. I would recommend the Indian railways if you want comfort and you are on a tight budget. Be it the Rail connectivity or the Buses, they all run very frequently and are pretty comfortable. You can cover the longest distance possible in India with a sleeper coach and I bet it won’t cost you more than 1500 Rs and with the second largest road network in the world, India is perfect for all those road trips that you’ve been drowning about.

4. Culture and Festivals

India truly is an example of Unity in Diversity. In India, you’ll find people of every religion. There are more than 120 languages being spoken throughout the different parts of the country. Music and dance is an essential part of our Indian society from folk to Bollywood music, you’ll find everything fascinating. Similarly, Indian dances are an important part of the culture and are a few of the most complex and expressive dance forms in the world. Dance forms like Kathakali, Bharatnatyam, Kathak are famous all around the world for their expressive nature. Festivals is a year-round thing in India. It adds colours and joy to everyone’s life. No matter which season you land up in India, Indians are always celebrating some festival or other. The celebrations and festivals are so grand that the memories it creates in one’s mind live for eternity.

5. Architecture

India is home to one of the oldest and most beautiful Architectural geniuses in the world. Architecture in India has evolved through countless centuries due to the influence of the various dynasties and civilizations that have flourished in India. The forts, Palaces and Temples in India are often characterized by some of the most striking architectural designs and display the artistic prowess of the Indian kingdoms and Dynasties and to top it all India has amazing structures like The Statue of Unity and The Taj Mahal. The Statue of Unity is a 182m tall majestic Statue of Indian legend Sardar Patel, it is the world’s highest statue and is located in the state of Gujarat, India. The Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders of the world. Built in 1648 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, The Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.

India is full of adventures and cultural shocks if one really wants to explore and that’s why you should first travel in India before starting to explore foreign countries. India has something to offer for everyone and that’s why India is the perfect travel destination for everyone.

-Sourabh Upreti

Haritha Ravi

Dining out or ordering in is so convenient we often forget to take the time to cook.

It has been said that you are what you eat. What we take in and experience, both literally and figuratively, shapes who we are.

Have you noticed your habits change ever since the Pandemic started? Maybe you’re going out less and ordering with Swiggy or Zomato more?

Sounds about right. That’s because it’s super convenient! But you know what else is even more convenient? Knowing how to cook.

I’m not an expert chef by any means, but lately, I’ve been spending more time in the kitchen making new dishes that are far out of my comfort zone.

It brings me joy to eat food that I made. It also makes me very happy to see my family eat food that I prepare too.

Whether you’re living on your own or with your family, cooking is a top-tier skill that will last you a lifetime. 

Your Food Carries More Meaning

We go to Subway, stop by McDonald’s, or order some Domino’s Pizza from time to time, but the food is just food. It doesn’t hold a special place in our hearts the same way a nice home-cooked meal would.

Think about when you were younger, and your elders cooked meals for you. It was always reassuring to know that you not only had food on your table, but you had really delicious food.

When you take the time to prepare a meal yourself, it requires firstly, thinking about what you want to make. Secondly, going to the store and buying the ingredients. And finally, executing your meal in the kitchen.

The preparation involved with cooking may seem tedious and all, but by the end of it, you’ll feel accomplished. 

There’s no restaurant or fast food joint that will bring you the same fulfilment or sense of accomplishment the same way a nice home-cooked meal does.

You’re In Charge of How Your Food Tastes

When you get your food delivered to you, there are times where they forget your fries or something’s a bit off. It’s not a good feeling because food is essential. Food is a big part of life.

Have you ever gotten food that was too salty or tasted bitter? The food no longer carries the same value as it would because something’s not right.

But when you get to start the stove at the temperature you like it, cook your food just the way you like it, and add your own little spin on it, that’s where the magic happens.

Not everyone in the world is as blessed as we are. Unlike them, we can go to the store, pick out literally any grocery item we want, and execute nearly any meal we feel like making.

Back in the stone age, do you think that cavemen and cavewomen had the choice to eat a delicious Rajma Chawal versus a Caesar Salad for those who were conscious about their diet? Probably not. We have such a huge advantage over most people.

In the kitchen, you’re in charge of your food, and you get to make the calls on every detail, down to the sauces, spices, and ingredients.

Cooking Can Be Your Creative Outlet

Most people have some creative outlet such as writing, making music, drawing, painting, basically anything out there. But not many people consider cooking an art. It is!

Food will be part of your life until the day you die. You’re going to need food to survive. That’s why it’s such a perfect creative outlet for literally anyone looking for something to do.

With cooking, you get the opportunity to craft your food just the way you like it, save money, and share it with those you love. 

With the Pandemic and all this extra time on our hands, we should make an effort to cook. The pandemic has made cooking a trend from Dalgona Coffee to the baked feta pasta many people have been trying their hand at cooking and you should too!! It’s simple, it’s fun and it makes you feel like you’re part of this bigger global community which is the reassurance many people need right now in this world.

Why More People Should Cook

Gone are the days where it’s only the woman who cooks the meals. Men should be more involved in making food because it’s a sign of respect and admiration to cook. Cooking is a form of non-verbal communication, it shows the other person how much you care about them and love them. I mean there’s a reason they say that the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. Thanks to the internet, we’re running out of excuses not to know things, but not knowing how to cook almost seems inexcusable. You can do it, though!

India – The mosaic of all things beautiful

India is a holy land of preserved culture and heritage that attracts the center of every travel enthusiast’s focus. The beauty is in abundance and there are plenty of places to visit. Reymond Page reflects, “Waking up in India is like waking up to life itself.” I endorse India as the best country to travel but it gets overwhelming at times. Because just imagine you are scrolling through Instagram. You stumble across a magnificent thread of travel pictures after a rough day at work. The traveler’s urge to explore and photograph grows on you. But you have no finances sorted. Right? This has happened umpteen times and I decided this has to stop.

Padharo Maahre Desh – Rajasthan Sirens You Home

I had to bring some solution to the perpetual concern regarding the trip cost. Hailing from Gujarat, one of the budget-friendly neighboring states that have always charmed me is Rajasthan. Standing north of Gujarat, the state is full of ‘aesthetically cultural’ corners of India. To start with one city out of nineteen that Rajasthan enfolds, I decided to visit Jodhpur. Now, tighten your seat belt because this article will navigate you around one beautiful travel destination in Jodhpur that you can visit for free. Then, even you can post the most regal pictures on your feed. (And a secret: This is the best place to twirl around making a reel on ‘Chaudhary’song!)

The Serene Blues of Jodhpur For Your Monday Skies

Jodhpur is the blue city of India. You will see blue all around you as if peace is hugging you tight. The city is named after Maharaja Rao Jodha and it is clad in all hues of hope. There lie no map rolls or binoculars to fetch the beauty of this magnificent city. It invites you to wander and lose yourself in the blue unknown. This is the beauty of it. It enfolds you in its magic and makes you sigh in awe. It demands you to load your camera roll and makes you forget about your unruly strands and clothes tucked in sans perfection. It is a feeling. A beautiful feeling in its entirety.

Strolling Through The Streets of Jodhpur

As you wander through the galliyaras of Jodhpur, you see reduced-to-bones aged men in white. The pleats of their orange turban smile happily at every traveler that passes by. A woman is doing Heer Bharat embroidery and knitting beads to life. A shopkeeper is flapping away dust from imported leather bags. A group of girls in red ribbons with a white shirt and a Prussian blue skirt are running to school. You gaze at everything that gives you the vibes of “Kesariya, vaahlam padharo maare desh.” After walking through these streets full of life and color, I landed at a fort of grandeur yet earthy – Mehrangarh Fort.

Unveiling The Treasures of Mehrangarh Fort

At the first glimpse of brown walls and yellow ochre patches with hues of whites, it will give you the possible cues of rich Indian Architecture. Situated on a hillock, the fort feels like a soldier standing high keeping an eye and protecting the city. Rightly named as “Citadel of Sun”, the capital of this territory was originally Mandore where the dynasty of Rathore ruled. While your eyes concur with the picturesque Chhatri of Kiran Singh, the gaze at the massive cream door of the fort leaves you stunned. The gate is famously known as ‘Jai Pol’ (meaning victory gate) to commemorate Raja Man Singh’s win over Jaipur Army.

The Walls of Fort Whisper of Valour

Walking closer, you will find the dents of cannon attacks on Dodh Kangra Pol, stunning iron spikes, and colors of puppetry.

Highlights:

• You will hear folk songs adding to the melodies of Loha Gate, intended to slow the army.

• A step ahead, you will discover an orange block of handprints of Maharaja Ajit Singh’s five queens who performed Jauhar (Sati).

• The Loha Gate opens to the Sringar Chowk that plays Holi with contrasting colors, intricate carvings, and architecture.

• To the left, you find an exquisite white marble throne believed to be instituted for the coronation ceremony of Rajas.

Dark Stories Behind Majestic Shades of Bright

Adding to the scenic beauty of the fort, there lies a small house of a hermit named Cheeriya Nathji (Lord of Birds). When Maharana Rao Jodha decided to build a fort on the hillock – Bhaurcheeriya (The mountain of birds), the hermit got angry and cursed the king that the land would always suffer from drought. As the curse could not be spelled back, a resident of Jodhpur sacrificed his life to amend the effects of the curse. Later, a small house near the cave was given to calm the hermit. The walls of the fort unravel many dark secrets and the camouflage doorways will surely confuse the fragments of your astonishment.

To the Best Sea of Blue I Have Ever Seen!

Once you stand on the peak of Mehrangarh Fort with your acoustic playlist tuning in, you feel magical. Like you have just returned after triumphing victory and now you are on the top of the world. As I laid my eyes on the city from the top, I wondered what led the city bled blue. Is it because blue signifies serenity and calm and that is exactly how you feel standing 120 feet high? Because the sun soars high here and the color blue keeps the city cool? Or it represents Lord Shiva as the city is home to many Brahmins? The city welcomes your interpretations and compels you to navigate your bits in search of the blue it embodies.

The shining eyes of locals sparkle every bit of your existence

Apart from the beauty of the fort, you get mesmerized by seeing the hospitality of locals. You ask them a question and their eyes will shine. Their smiles are embedded with white and the pleasant language gives you answers you always sought. The nightlife here held my breath with tents shining with bonfires and Banjarans walking through the city. The camels are clad in glitter shawl and golden lights glimmer your eyes. The bazaars exhibit the dance of Ghoomar as water of Ranisar Lake ripples. And there you are with a kuldi of hot coffee with jalebi in your hand. It feels like life has come to life. I truly lived that Reymond Page once felt.

This was a pocket-friendly travel suggestion in India my side. Let me know such destinations in the comments below, the ones that take away your heart for a fleeting moment.

Thank you.

– Khushi Thakkar

– Neha Mantripragada

The documentary, “Martyrs of Marriage” by Deepika Bhardwaj, who is an Indian journalist and a men’s rights activist addresses the misuse of Section 498A in the Indian Penal Code. This documentary reveals that the law which had been formed to protect the women from mistreatment and harassment by her spouse or relatives, has instead been misused by the woman to settle her personal scores by framing her husband and his family. The law was originally made to ensure that the women are protected from cruelty and disagreeable customs like dowry. Instead now, men are being subjected to unfair claims of harassment with no way to revert back since the law is cognizable, non-compoundable and non-bailable.

The documentary focuses on stories of men who seem to fight a war they were doomed to lose. As soon as a woman files a complaint under this section, the man becomes the culprit. Innocent until proven guilty only seems to be practiced on paper and not in reality. With data shared in the documentary which clearly showcases the rising amount of false cases filed, it is even more baffling to learn how several women rights activists and committees are unwilling
to amend the law to make it gender neutral and are appeased to keep the scale tilted.

The law and the court’s decisions in any case must be impartial according to what Lady Justice symbolizes. But in reality The Court isn’t blindfolded and clearly distinguishes the abuser and the victim as a man and a woman respectively. The extent of humiliation and face loss the accused and his family goes through during this intensive period of court and media trial can never be regressed. They are ‘Martyrs’ not only in the literal sense as many sacrifice their lives just to stop the injustice meted to them and their family. But also because those who’ve managed to prove themselves innocent are hardly left with a false sense of victory and cannot be compensated for the irrevocable loss of their dignity and respect during the course of the trial.

The documentary helps you culminate your views on the issue by sharing with us the stories of such victims who have been disposed to the misuse of this law. Watch the documentary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKRAkw5RUdw

Imagine, you just witness a cold blooded murder at the cross roads or hear about a rape incident in the neighbourhood or a pickpocket robs you off your wallet carrying a fine amount of money. Now, what would you do in these conditions? Dial the 3 digit number that gets you in contact with caretakers of law, right? The police. That comes out of belief. The belief that the police will work according to the law, that the law will provide justice to the victim or his/her relatives by punishing the criminals, that the law is supreme and is made for peaceful existence of the community.

Fine, let’s take a look at another situation. Marriage. It is a celebration of love, happiness and bonding of two hearts. People dream of getting married to their perfect one, getting settled, have kids and live a complete satisfactory life. Imagine, things suddenly start going wayward. You get dragged into the court for an offence you have not committed. You spend your entire life proving your innocence which does not get you justice. All this after your marriage. Horrifying, isn’t it?

But why am I talking about all this random stuff, law and marriage? Well there is something that connects them. 498A. No, not a code for some thrilling treasure hunt game. In fact, it is a section in the Indian Penal Code (IPC). I won’t be wrong if say a ‘disputed’ section of the IPC. The section makes it punishable by law if the husband or any relative of the husband subjects the wife to cruelty, i.e. inflicts physical and mental torture on her for getting their unlawful demand of property and valuable security fulfilled. Basically, it is a law that was introduced in 1983 to protect women from the post-marriage atrocities they have to face. But how that law for protection of women has become a danger for men is something that needs be looked into.

The documentary Martyrs of Marriage by the renowned Indian journalist and documentary film-maker shines the torch on injustices perpetrated by the misuse of Section 498A.

Using first person accounts of those who have suffered, it delves into the problem and highlights how men too can be victims in a marriage. The implication is frightful when one after another, victims of this law pour out their heart on how they were put behind bars without as much as being heard. These laws have resulted in the arrest of grandmothers, grandfathers, and toddlers alike, who are then subjected to extortion by their tormentor, who promises to withdraw the charges if sufficient money is paid. Many of the targeted husbands are driven to suicide when they face the hopeless tangle of laws and excessive demands of their wives. Recalling the entire tale only breaks the hearts of the victim’s parents, sisters , brothers and other relatives. They have borne it all- from being harassed by the police, getting imprisoned to losing their beloved to suicide because of the frustration that legal procedures bring with them. Instances where the wife named the husband’s sister in her complaint, when in fact the sister resided at her in-laws’ home, are reported too. Indeed, even the mothers were not spared; elderly women who barely appear capable of walking straight were accused of cruelly treating the daughter-in-law.

Many of the highly placed judges and lawyers interviewed acknowledge that the abuse of Dowry laws is rampant and that the law needs to change, but the film also reveals that the feminist activists have absolutely no concern for the total destruction of the families entrapped by the Dowry Laws, and even less for the loss of so many male lives.

This film boldly represents the atrocities that men have to go through and how they haunt their life. If you are someone who stands for justice, then this is a must watch for you. Find the link to watch the documentary below.

Link to watch the documentary- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKRAkw5RUdw

Source of image- Google images

• By Nishil B.

By – Yana Kalal

When Joe Rogan in his comedy special said “one thing I don’t understand is ‘men’s rights movement’, I mean fellas you already got all rights”. I didn’t find it funny unlike my sibling sitting next to me. When we were watching this special six months ago, I didn’t exactly realize what was wrong with the joke besides being frivolous and insensitive. It was only when I watched the documentary film ‘Martyrs of marriage’, did I understand everything that was wrong with this and many other jokes we happen to laugh at, keeping our blazing ignorance intact. It simply begins with the abject denial that the problem exists in the first place.

 
The film ‘Martyrs of marriage’ directed by Deepika Bharadwaj is a revelatory account of wanton misuse of the article 498 A of IPC, better known as the ‘Dowry Prohibition Act’. The well-intentioned law was first brought in 1961 and later amended in 1983 (making it cognizible, non-bailable and non-compoundable) to safeguard women who were ill-treated by their husbands and in-laws after marriage in demand of Dowry. 

Simply put, by “virtue” of this law, a man and his family can be put behind bars on the sole testimony of his wife alleging mistreatment without any evidence or investigation whatsoever and shall not be granted bail unless the court orders otherwise.

The law, thus has become a weapon in hands of ‘not so well-intentioned’ women seeking either an easy exit out of the marriage or settling past scores. The film documents abuse of legal remedies, rot in systemic operations and more than anything, devastation of families. It’s a living tale of those dead who could have been saved only if our judicial system had paid more attention.

 

The blog might come across as a rant because it perhaps is, one doesn’t ask for more but an equal chance to be heard. And when even that is denied, the judiciary fails to uphold it’s very fundamentals i.e. ‘equality before law’.

So much has been lost but so much (read “many”) could still be saved. It seems as if in empowering one gender, we are condemning the other. I hereby pass my submissions for the same-old pleas of gender-neutral laws and a fit punishment for bogus and malicious cases. It would have helped only if somebody was actually listening (or reading). The symbolic ‘lady of justice’ may be blind, the laws need not be.
As for Joe Rogan, we can perhaps discount him for not knowing Indian laws. 

Note – The hyperlink to view the documentary film has been provided above

Sources:-

Picture 1 – https://images.app.goo.gl/rALwXC9M2SV5Aebf9

Picture 2 –
https://images.app.goo.gl/SorHNd82R1qpogte9

By- Aditi

you ever wonder what will happen if your savior becomes Satan himself, I guess no one does and nor did the people who suffered through the misuse of section 498A.

I didn’t knew about the destructive side of section 498A and in that blurred lack of knowledge I came across “martyrs of marriage” and had a chance to watch it a few days ago, it was definitely an eye-opening experience.

And I would like to suggest this documentary to everyone to go through, it is gut-wrenching and it will leave so many questions that have no answers.

This documentary talks about people who are abusing this section in the name of justice and for their vile purpose, it talks about the lost souls and their families who went through so much mental trauma and then too fighting for their self respect for years.

This documentary showcases section 498A, the section which was meant to be a anti dowry law and to stop abuse, it itself turned into a powerful tool to abuse people and ruin their lives.

Why should everyone needs to watch this?

first and foremost for awareness, if everyone is aware about how things go down out of nowhere they know how to act accordingly.

it talks about how just by gender biases people are ruining entire families, it shows you the realities and how the judgements people tend to act on without checking the facts, it points out how we as a society are ignorant of such big issue.

this documentary talks about how women are using “victim” cards and harassing innocent men, how money has become more important than the lives of innocent people and the justice system being ignorant of the situations that have been created by the misuse of this law.

it is a feature length documentary film which is directed and produced by incredible Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj, this documentary talks about the injustice that has been perpetrated on people because of section 498A.

you can watch it on Deepika Narayan’s official youtube channel, it is available both in Hindi and English.

This documentary should be shared as much as possible.

BY : Saumya Hegde

Context

Dance developed as a commercial activity celebrating any happy occasion. Dance in particular was also portrayed as the chief weapon of seduction of sages doing penance.

In Indian classical dance, however, the evolution of male and female roles in dance was far more complex than in any other civilization. In India because of the uninterrupted history of dancing sculptures, we always associate dance with women. Even our ancient texts speaks about the ideal ‘narthaki’, how she should have a slim waist, the neck must be long, the lips must be perfectly proportioned, attributes that adhere to a male eye looking at a female body. The majority of Bharatanatyam dancers are and have always been women.

Interrelation

The interrelations of art and religion have played an important role in male-female participation in dance but in extremely complex way. The female monopoly in Bharatanatyam in South Indian society where the Lord of dance is the male dancer Nataraja who defeated the female dancer Kali.

Bharatanatyam was no place for the regular middleclass layman. It was something which almost unintentionally became barrier between hierarchies, completely contrasting what “ART” stands for, unity.

REASONS

The male dancer has few opportunities than a female dancer within the field of classical dance alone. Perception of male dancers in India: Male dancers are more accepted and ‘used’ in group works. Due to the above perception, there is less opportunity and there is discrimination at both national and international level. At some quarters dance is still regarded as ‘sissy’ and so male children are not encouraged to take it up. The monetary factor is still one of the major deterrents for men to take dance as a profession. In fact, most families don’t encourage this pursuit, dance doesn’t yield adequate monetary gains. There is also this superstitious fear in the minds of parents that their sons would end up being effeminate if they become dancers.

Sooraj Subramaniam a professional Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kathak, classical ballet and contemporary dancer says his opinion about the lesser male dancers in Indian dance styles, he says, “In classical dance the performer is an ambiguous entity, charged only with the task of creating a transcendental experience. Gender is a by-the-by, mostly inconsequential to the philosophy of the dance, this sort of ambiguity isn’t easy to digest, especially when our societies are obsessed with clarifying things into neat binaries. It takes extraordinary patience to appreciate the sort of subtlety that the classical arts are concerned with, and it demands a lot of investment from its practitioners and spectators.

There’s also a culture laziness when it comes to encouraging dance, which is seen as an emotional and aesthetic pursuit.”

Revolutionaries

There are these men out in today’s world who are breaking this stereotypes:

Charles Ma is a Chinese-Nepalise-Naga Man who has embraced as a professional Bharatanatyam dancer and teacher, he is walking beyond the classical idiom.  Born with mixed-race origin, Nepali-Chinese, he personally embraced total Indianism, growing up in Bengaluru (a city that was a cultural hub) also played a key role in framing him as a dancer.

He overcame all his barriers of gender, class, caste, race and emerged as a successful artist. He says, “if I Danced, I would dance like a man. Male Bharatanatyam dancing has its own beauty. Its strong and geometric.” He adds back then, the few boys who took up the art that was predominantly meant for women, were made fun of and called gay, he was even made fun of his being an outsider, but such racial discrimination has never put Charles down.

Here is another man breaking the stereotypes in Indian dance. Jeeno Joseph is an Indian Classical Dancer, at the age of 5, he started learning Bharatanatyam. But under the stigma of being a male in a predominantly female art, he gave up his dream. Being a catholic also was the biggest hurdle for him to choose his dream as the art was based as a Hindu background. After years , he fought back against traditional societal beliefs around masculinity,  as well as his own insecurities, to rediscover hhis passion and continue dancing today. 

Women in the field

The paradox of male monopoly in the dance-drama traditions of Kathakali (with male takin female roles) and Yakshagana, derives from a convoluted priest-versus-dancer rivalry and ritual-versus-art conflict. Women are totally omitted from kathakali literature. Chances of the performance of female artists are very scarce in male-dominated troupes.

Reasons

 Enacting male roles demand strenuous physical maneuvers and sustenance for performance that last for long hours of the night, in addition to emotional barriers of utmost care at the subconscious level to overcome their inborn feminine performative language elements like grace, submissiveness, hostility, etc. also there are physiological resistance and limitations. Also casteism played a major role and gradually Kathakali grew popular as an art for upper caste people.

But women are taking deliberating efforts to perform the paly that are physically strenuous. they have proved that nothing can stop them from making efforts. A whole new generation is coming up as competent artists and they don’t want to make compromises in their artistic freedom. This has created a positive outlook and acceptance from the critics.

Conclusion

In short it follows our account that gender monopolies in Indian classical dance have depended less on internal aesthetics or religion prescriptions but more on a variety of competing and converging socio-historical factors, sometimes under the guide of religion or reasons of state. In course of time Bharatanatyam has gradually produced its own male dancers, Conversely Kathakali has done it a little more slowly and on the other hand Yakshagana is still in the way to accept the new change in the art of this generation. The increasing popularity of dance-drama has played a major part in this rational outlook on male and female roles in classical Indian dance.

Recommendation:

Book:

Gender monopolies in Indian classical dance: a sociological analysis of cause and context http://indianculture.gov.in/gender-monopolies-indian-classical-dance-sociological-analysis-cause-and-context

Sources:

“Bharatnatyam: A feminist approach” https://qrius.com/bharatnatyam-feminist-approach/amp/

“When men danced as women: An ancient tradition on the decline | The News Minute” https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/when-men-danced-women-ancient-tradition-decline-36193?amp

 “‘Dance needs to be gender neutral’” https://www.deccanchronicle.com/amp/131216/lifestyle-offbeat/article/%E2%80%98dance-needs-be-gender-neutral%E2%80%99