Subject: Indian Society

The emergence of women's questions in modern India was intricately linked to the broader social reform movements of the 19th century, marked by the dismal female literacy rate of 0.5% in 1872, reflecting the urgent need for reform.

Key Issues Concerning Women in 19th Century

Social Practices and Reform Movements:

• The practice of Sati emerged as a critical issue, leading to its abolition through Raja Ram Mohan Roy's efforts and the Sati Regulation Act of 1829.
• Child marriage was prevalent, prompting reforms through the Age of Consent Act, 1891.
• The Purdah system restricted women's mobility and social participation, leading to campaigns by reformers like Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.

Educational Reforms:

• Female literacy remained abysmally low at 0.6% even by 1901, highlighting the pressing need for women's education.
• Pioneers like Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule established schools for girls and lower-caste women.
• The establishment of institutions like Bethune College (1849) marked significant progress in women's higher education.

Social and Political Participation:

• Annie Besant's advocacy for women's rights (1874-1933) sparked debates on women's political participation.
• Early Hindi magazines began featuring articles on women's issues, creating public discourse.
• Formation of women's organizations advocating for suffrage and political equality.

Religious and Cultural Reforms:

• Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj challenged traditional religious practices affecting women.
• Debates on widow remarriage led to the Hindu Widow Remarriage Act, 1856.
• Questions of women's property rights and inheritance emerged.

Major Debates of the Period

• Conservative vs Progressive approaches to reform:

  • Tension between preserving cultural traditions and promoting social change.
  • Debates on the pace and extent of reforms.

• Indigenous vs Western models of emancipation:

  • Questions about adopting Western feminist ideals versus developing Indian solutions.
  • Role of colonial legislation in women's reform.

The 19th-century women's question laid the foundation for modern feminist movements in India, with reformers like Pandita Ramabai and Tarabai Shinde articulating indigenous feminist perspectives. Today, these historical debates continue to inform contemporary discussions on gender equality and women's empowerment in India.