Purdah - Definition and Overview

Purdah (Urdu, Persian: پردہ) (also spelled purda) is the practice of requiring women to cover their bodies so as to cover their skin and conceal their form. It is prevalent in Islamic societies, but is observed by several other communities in the Indian subcontinent. The usual garment worn to accomplish this is termed a burqa, which may or may not include a veil to conceal the face (sometimes the term burka is used to refer to the headgear and veil alone). Sometimes the eyes are allowed to be exposed.

Purdah was rigorously observed under regimes such as that of the Taliban in Afghanistan, where women had to observe complete purdah at any time they were in public. Only their husbands, fathers, children and other women were allowed to see them out of purdah. In other societies, purdah may only be practiced during certain times of religious significance. Purdah also means "Curtain" in [Persian].