The Kanjarbhats are an identified tribe that migrated from Rajasthan to parts of Maharashtra. As part of the Kanjarbhat caste tradition, newly-married bride is subjected to a ‘character test’ or ‘virginity test’ on their wedding night.
The husband and wife consummate their marriage on a white cloth in a room immediately after tying the nuptial knot. The caste council oversees this test.
“Family members remain outside the lodge and continue to ask if it is going well,” said a local.
If the girl’s hymen breaks and she bleeds, she passes the test. They declare, “Maal Khara hai’. If she doesn’t, it is assumed she has had premarital sex and they say “Maal Khota hai”, meaning she is “spoiled goods” and the marriage can be annulled. Then the caste panchayat asks her who she has had intercourse with.
“She is often beaten up, her family is ostracised and asked to pay a hefty fine to settle the matter. Whoever defies the Kanjarbhat law is subject to a social boycott”, the local added.
“Virginity test is the character certificate of a woman. Even the bride keeps the cloth with her bloodstains as a memento of pride,” he further added.
Agencies