Question

Who founded an independent organization called Sevasadan?
A. Pandita Ramabai
B. Salbai
C. Tarabai
D. Ramabai Ranade

Answer 1

Hint: A successful women’s organization was set-up by her in 1908 in Pune with her scholar husband’s support, who ensured she was educated in times when women were viewed as inferior. It provided residence, sale avenues and training for middle-class women, especially widows.

Complete answer: The inception of Sevasadan began with the Parsi reformers, B.M. Malbari and Dayaram Gidumal who went to Ranade for her expertise. It was registered as a society in 1915.
Option A. Pandita Ramabai Saraswati (1858-1922) was a pioneer in activism for women’s rights. She was the first woman to be given the title of Pandita for being a Sanskrit scholar. This, however, is the incorrect option, often mistaken for the correct one due to the similarity in names.
Option B. There are no revered reformers with the name Salbai. As a matter of fact, it is of historical significance for being the location of the signing of a treaty. It is in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
Option C. Tarabai Shinde (1850-1910) was a famous pamphleteer calling for the recognition of women’s and caste rights in the 19th century. Her work, ‘Stripurush Tulana’ is regarded as India’s first modern feminist text.
The correct answer is option D, Ramabai Ranade (1862-1924) was born in Bombay and was married to Mahadev Govind Ranade.
Therefore, Option D is correct.

Note: Attended by over 1000 members, the first Indian nurse had come from this institution. Ramabai fought for labour rights overseas (eg. Kenya and Fiji), women’s voting rights (set up an organization for the same in the Bombay Presidency), primary education for girls and abolishing of child marriage.