Discover India's journey toward women's empowerment through reform movements, key legislation, and the contributions of social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Savitribai Phule, and Sarojini Naidu.

The status of women in India during the pre-reform era was marked by social inequality, denial of rights, and restrictive practices like sati, child marriage, and purdah. Over time, social reformers and legislative measures sought to elevate women’s position in society, promoting education, rights, and social participation. This evolution is crucial for students studying modern Indian history and reforms.

Status and Reforms of Women in India: From Pre-Reform Challenges to Social Empowerment

• Challenges Faced by Women in Pre-Reform India

  Before reforms, women in India were denied equal status and opportunities, restricted by regressive customs and social prejudices.

  • Status and Identity of Women

    Women were treated as inferior to men and denied independent identity. Customs like purdah, early marriage, ban on widow remarriage, and sati suppressed their talents.

  • Dependence and Denial of Rights

    Both Hindu and Muslim women were economically and socially reliant on male relatives. They were denied property rights and education.

    • (i) Hindu Women: No right to inherit property or terminate undesirable marriages.
    • (ii) Muslim Women: Could inherit property but only half of what men received; no equality in divorce.
    • (iii) Polygamy: Practiced among both Hindus and Muslims.

  • Role and Glorification of Women

    Society valued women primarily as wives and mothers, restricting recognition of their broader contributions.

  • Need for Change

    It was realized that no society can progress if its women remain in ignorance. Improving women’s status was essential for reformed homes and reformed men.

• Key Reforms to Improve the Status of Women in India

  Social reformers and progressive laws played a decisive role in ending regressive customs and enhancing women’s rights.

  • Abolition of Sati

    • (i) Raja Rammohan Roy: Led a reformist campaign against sati.
    • (ii) Regulation of 1829: Declared sati illegal and punishable as culpable homicide.
    • (iii) Initially applied to Bengal Presidency, later extended to Madras and Bombay in 1830.

  • Prevention of Female Infanticide

    • (i) Declared illegal by Bengal regulations of 1795 and 1804.
    • (ii) Act of 1870: Made birth registration compulsory and ensured verification of female children.

  • Widow Remarriage

    • (i) Supported by Brahmo Samaj.
    • (ii) Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar: Instrumental in passing the Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act, 1856.

  • Prohibition of Child Marriage

    • (i) Native Marriage Act (1872): Early attempt to restrict child marriage.
    • (ii) Sarda Act (1930): Raised legal marriage age for girls.

  • Education of Women

    • (i) Initiated by Christian missionaries in India.
    • (ii) Establishment of Bethune School in 1849 marked a milestone in women’s education.

• Women’s Participation in Movements and Organizations

  With the spread of reforms and education, women actively engaged in nationalist movements and organized themselves into women’s associations.

  • Participation in Movements

    • (i) Contributed to swadeshi movement, anti-partition campaigns, and Home Rule movement.

  • Formation of Women’s Organizations

    • (i) AIWC (All India Women’s Conference): Advocated for social and political rights.
    • (ii) Bharat Stree Mahamandal: Promoted women’s rights and education.

• Summary of Reforms for Women in India

  The journey of women in India from subjugation in the pre-reform era to gaining rights, education, and participation reflects the significant role of reformers and legislative action. Abolition of sati, widow remarriage, ban on female infanticide, and access to education transformed their status, while organizations like the AIWC ensured long-term empowerment.