Mains Marathon 2024

Introduction

The socio-religious reforms of the 19^th century in India marked a significant departure from traditional norms and practices, challenging societal injustices and advocating for equality. These reforms laid a crucial foundation for later movements advocating women's rights and social justice, while women themselves played pivotal roles in India's struggle for independence.

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Key Reform Movements of 19th century for Women's Rights and Social Justice in India :

• Abolition of Sati (1829) : Through the efforts of Raja Ram Mohan Roy , the British government declared the practice of sati illegal and punishable by criminal courts as culpable homicide.
• Preventing Female Infanticide : Through the efforts of reformers, the bengal regulations of 1795 and 1804 declared infanticide illegal and equivalent to murder.
• Widow Remarriage: Through the efforts of Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, The Hindu Widows Remarriage act 1856 was passed , it legalised marriage of widows and declared issues from such marriages as legitimate.Vishnu Shahstri Pandit founded the Widow Remarriage Association in the 1850s.
• Controlling Child Marriage : The relentless efforts of a Parsi reformer, B.M. Malabari, were rewarded by the enactment of the age of Consent Act (1891) which forbade the marriage of girls below the age of 12.The Sarada Act (1930) further pushed up the marriage age to 18 and 14 for boys and girls respectively.
• Education of Women : Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was associated with no less than 35 girls schools in Bengal and is considered one of the pioneers of womens education.The Indian Women's University set up by Professor D.K.Karve in 1916 was one of the outstanding institutions imparting education to women.
• Foundation for Women's Movements: The establishment of girls' schools and colleges provided education opportunities previously denied to women, enabling them to articulate their aspirations and contribute to societal change.
  • The establishment of organizations like the Ladies Social Conference (1905) and the All India Women's Conference (1927) provided a platform for women to advocate for their rights and social justice.

Significant Role of Women in the Freedom Struggle :

• Early Pioneers :
  • Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi: One of the earliest symbols of resistance, Rani Lakshmibai played a crucial role in the 1857 revolt against British rule.
  • Begum Hazrat Mahal: Another prominent figure in the 1857 uprising,Begum Hazrat Mahal of Awadh took up arms against the British and played a significant role in the siege of Lucknow.
• Social Reform and Advocacy :
  • Pandita Ramabai: A social reformer and advocate for women's education, Pandita Ramabai's efforts were crucial in mobilizing women for the freedom struggle.
    • She wrote "The High-Caste Hindu Woman" in 1887.
  • Savitribai Phule : Though primarily known for her work in education and social reform, Savitribai Phule's efforts laid the groundwork for women's participation in the freedom struggle by promoting literacy and awareness among women.
    • She established the Mahila Seva Mandal to raise awareness for issues concerning women's rights..
• Participation in the Indian National Congress :
  • Annie Besant: She was a prominent leader in the Indian National Congress and initiated the Home Rule Movement, advocating for self-governance and inspiring Indian women to join the struggle.She became the first female president of the Indian National Congress in 1917.
  • Sarojini Naidu: Known as the "Nightingale of India," Sarojini Naidu was a prominent Congress leader and a key figure in the Civil Disobedience and Quit India movements. She was the second woman to become the president of INC in 1925.
• Role in Mass Movements :
  • Non-Cooperation Movement: Women participated in large numbers in the Non-Cooperation Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. They boycotted British goods, participated in picketing, and supported the promotion of khadi, a symbol of self-reliance.
    • Basanti Das took active part in freedom activities and was arrested during the non-cooperation movement.
  • Civil Disobedience Movement: During the Civil Disobedience Movement, women played a crucial role in the salt satyagraha, led by figures like Rajkumari Amrit Kaur and Muthu Lakshmi Reddy. They defied British laws by making salt and participating in non-violent protests.
  • Role in Quit India Movement:
    • Aruna Asaf Ali : Aruna Asaf Ali became a symbol of resistance. She is widely remembered for hoisting the Indian National flag at the Gowalia Tank maidan, Bombay during the Quit India Movement in 1942.
    • Usha Mehta: Usha Mehta was instrumental in running an underground radio station during the Quit India Movement.
• Revolutionary Activities :
  • Bhikaji Cama: She unfurled the first version of the Indian national flag in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1907 and actively promoted India's independence in Europe.
  • Kalpana Datta and Pritilata Waddedar: They participated in armed resistance against the British and were involved in daring acts of defiance, including the Chittagong Armoury Raid.
  • Rani Gaidinliu: A Naga spiritual and political leader, Rani Gaidinliu led a revolt against British rule in the Northeast.
  • Kanaklata Barua: A young Assamese freedom fighter, Kanaklata Barua was shot dead by the Indian Imperial Police of the British Raj while leading a procession bearing the National Flag during the Quit India Movement of 1942

Conclusion

The socio-religious reforms of the 19^th century not only addressed immediate social evils but also promoted education and empowerment, enabling women to play a significant role in the freedom struggle. The participation of women in the freedom struggle had a profound impact on Indian society. It challenged traditional gender roles and paved the way for greater involvement of women in public life and politics post-independence