Female Anatomy: Exploring Santhal Discourse

Santhal people face issues like low literacy and limited economic activities, and suffer from poor physical and psychological conditions. In addition to the hardships, a Santhal woman is often suppressed and oppressed through various hidden patriarchal practices in their culture that are underexplored. During menstruation, Santhal women are required to follow certain illogical rituals without exception. Some prevailing norms seek to restrict Santhal women’s activities during their periods. Elders rarely teach them about maintaining hygiene, either during menstruation or at other times, which leads to various life-threatening diseases. Santhal women are compelled to adhere to age-old practices that lack a scientific basis when it comes to female hygiene. For example, abortion in Santhal society appears to be a vital issue that they attempt to conceal and often resort to inhumane procedures. Consequently, the health condition of Santhal women remains vulnerable. The article aims to discuss several aspects of their culture and shed light on the health challenges faced by Santhal women. It will also analyse their folksongs to reveal the objectification of women from the perspectives of feminist discourses. Furthermore, it will explore possible strategies to address these issues.