In this timeline, we provide an outline of the resistance movements that took place throughout the 19th and 20th centuries to combat the strict clothing practices enforced by the caste system. For each time period, we will also link to secondary sources that align with the topic discussed.

• An Ezhava woman wore the achippudava, a white cloth, in the presence of Nair men. 

• As a result, she was attacked, sparking a strike by Ezhava farmers on the journey of demanding justice. It was one of the first organized movements against caste-based clothing restrictions.

• A Dalit woman, Nangeli, defied the breast tax by covering herself without paying the tax. Her act of protest consisted of cutting off her breasts in defiance. 

• Her fight symbolized the fight for women's bodily autonomy, provoking further resistance acts.

• There does seem to be some conflicting evidence regarding the accuracy of whether this is a story or a historical event. Nangeli is claimed to be in either the Dalit or Ezhava castes, depending on the source. Even with this, the narrative of a woman sacrificing her life for justice is a powerful tale that led to significant progress in terms of women's rights, which is why we chose to include it in our studies.

• Pulaya women refused to wear stone necklaces, called kallu malas, as they symbolized their caste, which was led by Ayyankali.

•  They collectively threw off their necklaces, signaling the official rejection of caste oppression.