Question

19th century reformers acted as a catalyst in mainstreaming women participation in later national movements. Discuss.

Answer 1

Approach:

• First highlight the status of women in 19th century in short.
• Then explain how the reformers worked for women empowerment.
• Link the women empowerment with the National struggle.

The dawn of the nineteenth century witnessed the birth of a new vision, a modern vision among some enlightened sections of the Indian society to reform the society in general and empower the women in particular. This enlightened vision was to shape the course of events for decades to come and even beyond.

Status of 19th century women
The reformers had to work against great odds. Women were generally accorded a low status and were considered to be inferior adjuncts to men, with no identity of their own. They were suppressed by practices such

as purdah, early marriage, ban on widow-marriage, sati, etc. Both Hindu and Muslim women were economically and socially dependent on male relatives, while education was generally denied to them. Women did not enjoy the right to inherit property or to terminate an undesirable marriage. Polygamy was prevalent among Hindus as well as Muslims.

Reformers and Women
The reformers basically appealed to the doctrines of individualism and equality, and argued, to bolster their appeal, that true religion did not sanction an inferior status to women. They raised their voice against degrading customs and worked relentlessly to establish educational facilities for women, to persuade the government to enact favourable legislations for women. Their efforts bore fruits as various legislations were passed to ban sati, female infanticide etc. Reformers like Ishvar Chnadra Vidyasagar, jyotiba phule had done a tremendous work in educating women.

Women and National Movements
Women, who were traditionally home-centred, especially those of urban middle classes, took active part in Anti-Partition movements of Bengal. From now onwards, they were to play a significant role in the national movement. Advent of Gandhiji provided a new stimulus to women participation in the National movements but they were able to participate only because they were empowered now. Their status in the society was way better than 19th century. They were allowed to educate themselves. The attitude of society also changed towards them which was directly the result of reforms of last century. They voted in, stood for and got elected to various legislatures and local bodies. Sarojini Naidu went on to become the president of the Indian National Congress (1925) and later the governor of the United Provinces (1947-49). After 1920, aware and self-confident women led a women’s movement. Many organisations and institutions such as the All India Women’s Conference (established in 1927) came up.

It is because of the indefatigable efforts of the reformers in the 19th century that led to the betterment of status of women. They understood that the role played by the women is vital and an empowered women can prove to be crucial in nation building too.