Mother IndiaMother India, published in 1927, was a polemical book by the American author Katherine Mayo. In her book, Mayo attacked society, religion and culture of the country of India. Written against the Indian demands for self-rule and independence from British rule, the book pointed to the treatment of India's women, the untouchables, animals, dirt, and the character of its nationalistic politicians. Mayo singled out the allegedly rampant and fatally weakening sexuality of its males to be at the core of all problems, leading to masturbation, rape, homosexuality, prostitution, venereal diseases, and, most importantly, premature sexual intercourse and maternity. The book created an outrage across India, and it was burned along with her effigy. It was criticised by Mahatma Gandhi as a "report of a drain inspector sent out with the one purpose of opening and examining the drains of the country to be reported upon". The book prompted over fifty angry books and pamphlets to be published to highlight Mayo's errors and false perception of Indian society, which had become a powerful influence on the American people's view of India. |
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administration age of consent American ancient animals Appendix Aruvedic asked attitude bania Benares Bengal body Bombay Bombay Presidency Brahman British India Calcutta University caste cattle Census of India cent CHAPTER child cholera classes cotton daughters death dhai disease doctor English fact Gandhi gaushala girls give Government Government's hands Hindu Hinduism hookworm hundred husband Ibid Indian Legislature Indian National Congress infected influence interest Kali killing ladies Lahore Lala Lajpat Rai land Legislative Assembly Debates Legislative Council live look Madras Madras Presidency marriage milk million mind mother Muhammadan Muslim native orthodox Parsis Philippines political politicians population practice princes Provinces Public Health Punjab purdah quoted railway Reforms religion religious Report rule says social Swaraj Swarajist teachers teaching temple things Untouchables village western widow wife wives woman women Young India