Which reformer is known for his efforts to promote widow remarriage and women’s education in Bengal?
- AOption (a)
Keshab Chandra Sen
- BOption (b)
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
- COption (c)
Debendranath Tagore
- DOption (d)
Swami Vivekananda
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Correct answer
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.
Key Points
- Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a prominent Indian social reformer, educator, and writer who played a crucial role in advocating for widow remarriage and women's education during the 19th century.
- He was instrumental in the passage of the Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act, 1856, which legalized widow remarriage in India.
- Vidyasagar worked tirelessly to improve the status of women in society by promoting education for girls and establishing schools for them, including the first women's college in Bengal.
- He simplified and modernized the Bengali alphabet and script, making education more accessible to the masses.
- Known for his progressive and humanitarian views, Vidyasagar was deeply committed to eradicating social evils such as child marriage and gender inequality.
Additional Information
- Keshab Chandra Sen:
- Keshab Chandra Sen was a social reformer and a prominent figure in the Brahmo Samaj movement.
- He worked towards the abolition of caste discrimination and untouchability and advocated for women's rights, including education and upliftment.
- While he contributed significantly to social reforms, his efforts were not specifically focused on widow remarriage or the promotion of women's education in Bengal.
- Debendranath Tagore:
- Debendranath Tagore was an Indian philosopher and religious reformer associated with the Brahmo Samaj.
- He emphasized spiritual and moral reform in society but did not actively campaign for widow remarriage or women's education.
- Debendranath is also known for his contributions to Indian philosophy and his role as the father of Rabindranath Tagore.
- Swami Vivekananda:
- Swami Vivekananda was a spiritual leader and philosopher who popularized Indian philosophy and spirituality in the West.
- He advocated for social reform, including the upliftment of women, but his primary focus was on spiritual awakening and promoting Vedanta philosophy.
- His contributions were significant but did not center around widow remarriage or women's education.