In Chennai, the 'vegetarians-only' is a euphemism for saying 'brahmins only'. It is sophistication you see, the caste system is abolished, so we search for other markers. Whether you wear a bindi, have a mangalsutra or whether you eat meat. There are many I have met here who say we are educated, we don't follow the caste system. "See, I let my maid into my kitchen." There are many who don't and prefer not to discuss it. This is the middle-class version of communalism and casteism. There are no shouting from the streets crying out against women going to pubs. Rather it is insidious, slips into conversations and other remarks. The market funda does not correct the system here. I get enough Brahmin responses to my rental ads and so, why do I need to let it out to someone else? There is also the proud declaration you get to hear "I don't mind a lower rent. But brahmins only." In Mumbai, it is communal. I knew a couple -- a muslim boy and a 'konkanastha brahmin' girl. The trouble they had in getting an apartment is just insane. She used to instantly find acceptance and the boy's name equalled a shut door. They moved to the US finally.
Zainab, I'll ping some friends in Bangalore and see what they say.
