Zenanas, also spelled as "zenanas" or "zenanas," refers to the secluded quarters in households of South Asia, particularly within Islamic societies, where women reside and carry out their daily activities. The term predominantly encompasses the traditional living spaces, including rooms, apartments, or portions of a larger house, specifically designated for the women of the household, such as wives, mothers, daughters, and other female relatives.
Traditionally, zenanas were characterized by their seclusion and security, with restricted or limited access to outsiders, including male members of the family and unrelated males. This aspect was primarily intended to ensure the privacy, modesty, and protection of the women residing within these quarters. Zenanas often featured separate entrances, courtyards, or even separate buildings to maintain their isolated nature.
These quarters allowed women to engage in household duties, socialize with female relatives and friends, and partake in leisure activities without exposure to the gaze of men outside the immediate family. The zenana system aimed to uphold the cultural values, honor, and customs associated with the purdah (veil) system prevalent in many Islamic communities.
While the concept of zenanas is deeply rooted in tradition, the influence of modernization and changing societal norms has resulted in the transformation or gradual fading of this practice in many regions. Nonetheless, the term "zenanas" continues to be used to describe historical or traditional arrangements of secluded living spaces for women in South Asian societies.
