Pronunciation: [pˈɜːdə] (IPA) 
The word "purdah" is spelled as /pʊədə/, with a silent "h" at the end. It refers to the practice of seclusion or separation of women from men in certain societies, particularly in India and Pakistan. The word's origin can be traced back to Persian, where "pardah" means curtain or screen. Over time, the word evolved and came to represent the physical and social barriers that restrict the movement and visibility of women in some cultures.
Purdah is a noun derived from the Persian word "pardah," which translates to "curtain" or "veil." It refers to a practice predominantly observed in certain cultures, particularly those in South Asia and the Middle East. Purdah is a form of gender segregation and modesty where women are expected to cover themselves and restrict their interactions with men who are not their immediate family members. This practice is typically rooted in religious customs and social norms.
The term purdah is commonly associated with the concept of seclusion, as women are often required to remain in their homes and limit their public engagement. This involves the use of veils, burqas, or other forms of concealing clothing to hide their physical appearance. The objective of purdah is to promote modesty and protect women from unwanted attention or potential harm.
Moreover, purdah restricts female access to education, employment opportunities, and social participation outside their households. It promotes a structure where women depend heavily on male family members for decision-making and mobility.
While purdah has been criticized for its potential exclusionary and oppressive nature, it is important to recognize that its interpretation and practice vary across different cultures and communities. In recent times, there have been ongoing conversations about modifying purdah to accommodate changing societal attitudes and women's rights.
The word "purdah" has its origins in the Persian language. It is derived from the Persian word "parda", which means "curtain" or "veil". Over time, this term was adopted into several languages in the Indian subcontinent, including Urdu and Hindi, and came to refer specifically to the practice of segregating women and veiling them from public view.
