Indian Burka

A long, flowing garment that covers the whole body from
head to feet, the burka, also known as burqa or abaya, is an impor-
tant part of the dress of Muslim women in many different countries.
Some burkas leave the face uncovered, but most have a cloth or metal
grid that hides the face from view while allowing the wearer to see.
The exact origin of the burka is unknown, but similar forms of veil-

ing have been worn by women in countries
such as India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and
Afghanistan since the beginning of the
Muslim religion in 622 C.E.
The Koran, the holy book of Islam,
directs believers to cover themselves and be
humble before God. Different societies and
religious leaders have interpreted this com-
mand of the Koran in many different ways,
often requiring both men and women to
cover their heads as a sign of religious re-
spect. Some Muslim societies have required
women to cover themselves more modestly
than men, covering not only their heads but
also most of their bodies and even their
faces. The burka is one example of very
modest clothing worn by Muslim women.
The burka has mainly been worn in
very conservative Muslim cultures, which
often restrict the movement and power of
women. Young girls are not required to
cover themselves with a burka, but at pu-
berty or marriage they begin to wear it. While women do not wear
the burka while they are home with their families, they are required to wear it when they are in public or in the presence of men who
are not family members. In many places the burka was first worn
as a sign of wealth and leisure, because a woman could not easily
work while wearing the long garment.
Though the burka often appears confining and limiting to
Western eyes, many devout Muslim women choose to wear the
long veil. Some say that the coverage of the burka gives them a pri-
vacy that actually makes them feel freer to move about in society.
However, others say that even though the burka protects women
from the staring eyes of strange men, it does not prevent the wearer
from being touched or pinched by passing men. Also, many Muslim
women who live in very conservative societies are forced to wear
the burka whether they want to or not, and many have been pun-
ished harshly for refusing to cover themselves as their authorities
demand.