Sex and Sensibility in Tamil Politics

Popular film actress Kushboo's ideas on female sexuality are not new to Tamil Nadu. Periyar, the Self-Respect Movement and the Dravidar Kazhagam had propagated the idea that marriage was a patriarchal institution and even advocated its abolition for women's freedom. But, like the DMK earlier, the Dalit Panthers of India and the Pattali Makkal Katchi, assuming the role of protectors of the honour of Tamils, are invoking the chastity of Tamil women as a symbol of that honour.