How much of modern India's 'modesty' culture (how women are expected to cover up, etc.) is pre Mughal and how much is Mughal influence?

by greeddit

I have sometimes heard that what Indian Hindus consider as their culture re: women, their dress and various freedoms, are actually borrowed from the Mughal invaders. For ex. many women's activists in India say that there was freedom to dress how you want in ancient (or at least pre invasion) India and liberation of women from these bondages would just be a return to form. Similar with girls choosing their husbands and the dowry system.

I do not intend to narrow the question down too much, just explaining my thoughts behind it. As always any response is appreciated =)

mochamauka

I think OP's question would be more relevant in comparing before and after the arrival of Islam in the subcontinent. Mughals were not the first Islamic rulers in India, rather the last. Islam has been present in India from the 7th Century AD and Islamic Turkic dynasties ruled India at least from 1204 AD, well before the Mughals arrived.