Rites de Passage of Matrescence and Social Construction of Motherhood-Coorgs in South India

Construction of Motherhood Coorgs in South India Veena Poonacha The cluster of rites, beliefs and distinctive practices governing motherhood are informed by socio-political and economic imperatives. This article examines the social/familial control over women's reproduction and reproductive labour among the Coorgs of south India, and argues that the emergence of colonial state and the economic restructuring that accompanied it resulted in greater controls over women's sexuality and modified their motherhood experiences.