Tamil
Explore by topic, region and evidence
Investigations into Tamil traditions, language communities and cultural practices in South India and the wider Tamil world.
-
Why Do Married Indian Women Wear Sindoor, Mangalsutra and Other Marriage Markers?
Sindoor, mangalsutra, thali, bangles and toe rings are regionally varied marriage markers that make marital identity visible. Their strongest meanings are social, ritual and economic; many modern biomedical claims are…
-
Why Do Hindus Mark the Forehead With Tilak, Bindi or Vibhuti?
Tilak, bindi and vibhuti are varied Hindu forehead-marking traditions that communicate sectarian identity, devotion and ritual participation. Some materials affect the skin, but claims of direct pineal or pituitary activation…