Which traditional custom negatively affects Koly after Hari’s death?

The traditional custom that negatively affects Koly after Hari's death is the practice of widowhood in Indian society. Following her husband's death, Koly is subjected to the oppressive restrictions that often accompany widowhood in her culture. This includes social isolation, the expectation to dress in mourning attire, and the loss of her status within the community. Widows are frequently treated with disdain and are expected to renounce their former lives, further compounding their suffering and limiting their opportunities for independence and fulfillment.

The impact of widowhood on Koly illustrates the broader societal issues she faces, which are deeply rooted in cultural norms that dictate how widows should behave and how they are perceived. These customs form a significant barrier to Koly's agency and future prospects, underlining the harsh realities faced by women in her position.

While the caste system, the arranged marriage system, and child marriage each hold their own implications for individuals in society, it is specifically the expectations and limitations imposed by widowhood that directly affect Koly's life following the death of her husband. Thus, it is this custom that serves as the most significant source of her struggles.