Question

Which evil practices were ended by social reformers in the 19th century reformers?
A. Sati
B. Killing of a girl child at birth
C.Enforced widowhood
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint:19th century was a period filled with religious superstitions and dogmas particularly in Hinduism.The status of women was really depressing during this period.The priests clouded the minds of the people and filled their minds with unhealthy influences.

Complete answer: In 19th century India, there were two kinds of reform movements: The Reformist and The Revivalists. The reformers tried to end Sati which was the self immolation of married women whose husband had died, killing of a girl child at birth, because the birth of a girl was an unwelcome affair and enforced widowhood which made the lives of these women miserable.The organisations that worked for the reformation of women were: Brahmo Samaj founded by Raja Rammohan Roy which worked towards abolishing Sati and fought against caste oppression,polygamy,idol wroship and child marriage. Another organisation known as the Arya Samaj which was founded by Dayananda Saraswati. This was a revivalist organisation which focussed on the teachings of the Vedas. This Arya Samaj stood against caste discrimination, priesthood, animal sacrifices and child marriage. The study of Vedic scriptures was encouraged. It also encouraged the Indians to revive their own culture and challenge the western culture. Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar was a Indian educationist and social reformer who worked towards promotion of Hindu widow remarriage. B.R Ambedkar was a scholar, politician and activist who campaigned against the discrimination of the lower castes.
Option D is the right answer.

Note With the dawn of the 19th century,India saw a new vision.This helped in bringing slow but much needed changes in the orthodox Hindu society and enlightened a lot of people who became followers of these reform movements. The 19th century was also known as the ‘Renaissance of India’.