India has several topics that are considered sensitive or taboo, though attitudes vary significantly across different regions, communities, and generations.
Here are some key areas:
Social & Cultural Taboos
- Caste system discussions, especially criticizing upper caste privileges or discussing discrimination faced by lower castes and other marginalized communities
- Interfaith relationships and marriages, particularly Hindu-Muslim unions
- Premarital sex and live-in relationships, though urban attitudes are changing
- Homosexuality and LGBTQ+ issues, despite legal progress in recent years
- Menstruation – still considered impure in many traditional contexts
- Economic inequality and poverty in specific contexts
Political & Religious Sensitivities
- Criticism of certain religious figures, practices, or texts
- Conflict and related political discussions
- Violence and communal tensions
- Cow slaughter and beef consumption, especially in certain states
- Conversion between religions, particularly forced or incentivized conversions
Family & Gender Issues
- Divorce, especially for women in traditional families
- Women’s autonomy in marriage, career, and reproductive choices
- Child marriage practices in rural areas
- Domestic violence within families
- Mental health issues, which carry significant stigma
It’s important to note that India is incredibly diverse, and what’s taboo in one community or region might be openly discussed in another. Urban areas tend to be more liberal, while rural and traditional communities may maintain stricter taboos. Younger generations are also generally more open to discussing previously forbidden topics.