5000 years ago.
A wall in Bhimbetka shows people holding hands. In public. In motion. Together.

Not hidden. Not ashamed. Not “indecent.”

Then came Victorian morality.
Suddenly a hand became scandal. Touch became taboo. Even eye contact got rules.

And we inherited it.

As late as 20 years ago in India—
a couple holding hands could invite stares, whispers, policing.

So pause.

Was the past really conservative?
Or did we import shame and call it “tradition”?